Ashanti Kingdom

            The Ashanti Kingdom: Past and Present.
             Ghana is a land of various landscapes. Though located on the coast of West Africa, its landscapes range from coasts in the South, to savannah dry lands in the North, and forestland all in between. The country is inhabited in part by the Akan people. These people are among the most prominent and traditionally well-cultured indigenous inhabitants of Africa (Akan 1). The Akan people can be divided into different categories, and then subdivided into the Twi, the Fante, Akim, Ashanti, Juaben, and Agona. The Ashanti region of Ghana lies in the middle of the West African tropical rain forest. It's major city, Kumasi, is located inland about 150 miles inland from the Gulf of Guinea. The Ashanti people are a people of many rituals and rites. These can be seen in their every day lives, and also in important events. These people have a very rich heritage filled with honor, prestige, wealth, culture, and stability. The Ashanti are very interesting. Their history dates back to the very war that created their foundation, through the struggles of colonization, to the present aspects of their region like society, religion, culture, military, village life, and economy.
             The history of the Ashanti people begins in the 18th century with the "Ashantehene," ruler, at that time who was Osei Tutu. Tutu was guided by his advisor who was the priest Okomfe Anokye. It was at this time that the tradition of the golden stool, which is still believed today, began. The legend of the Golden Stool is that it miraculously descended from heaven and landed on the knees of Osei Tutu. It became, and is still known to be the central point of the creation of the confederacy. The Ashanti believe that the stool is a representative of their Ancestors. Therefore, it inspires and is given great honor and respect. Oftentimes the Golden Stool has been called the "soul of the Nation," because it has helped the Ashanti states to remain united.