Asantehene marks 'Kuntunkuni Dae' in Black and Brown without ornaments

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The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Sunday, August 17, 2025, observed the sixth Akwasidae festival, marked in black and brown attire without the usual display of ornaments, in honour of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

The solemn commemoration, traditionally referred to as Akwasidae Tuntum or Kuntunkuni Dae, symbolised the kingdom’s collective mourning following the queen mother’s passing.

Chiefs, queen mothers, and subjects of the Asante Kingdom gathered at the Manhyia Palace clad in black and brown cloths, refraining from the customary gold adornments that often highlight the grandeur of the festival.

The Akwasidae festival, which occurs every 40 days in line with the Akan calendar, coincided with the death of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, who passed away earlier this month.

Her one-week observance, a significant step in Akan funeral rites, will be Thursday, August 21, 2025.

The sombre tone of the celebration served as a reminder of the queen mother’s pivotal role in the Asante traditional hierarchy.

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