Kumasi
Kumasi is the capitol city of the Ashanti region of Ghana. The Manhyia Palace is
located in Kumasi, where the past Ashanti King resided. Kumasi is full of tradition
and a supreme royal background. The Ashanti people are some of the few people that
have been able to survive and thrive throughout the European colonizing era. Kumasi
also has a very creative culture as well in the fields of wood carvings and Kente
cloth. These are just some of the elements that make Kumasi a beautiful region.
Facts:
Large gold deposits have been found in Kumasi
One of the wealthiest cities in Ghana
Two major exports are hardwood and cocoa
Second largest populated city in Ghana
(Kente Village: Bonwire Ashanti Region)
Wood Carving Village:
The Ashanti craft village is located in Ahwiaa. Here is where you find the home
of Ashanti stools, wood carving, and fertility dolls. The Ashanti stool is an ancient
stool made out of gold. The Ashanti people believe the stool fell out of the sky
above. The wood carvers also use a special type of wood called Ebony. This wood
is very hard and sturdy and produces a dark shine once polished. Many wood carvings
also carry traditional symbols in them including the bird Sankofa which represents
a bird carry the future while looking in the past. It is held to great standards
so as to not forget your roots.
(Ashanti Wood Carvings)
(Statue of the late Ashanti King and his Queen Mother)
(Manhiya Palace)
Ashanti Kingdom – The Manhiya Palace
• Kumasi is a city of fantastic crafts and remarkable historical sites.
• One of these historical places is the Manhiya Palace of the Ashanti Kingdom.
• The Manhiya Palace is a huge element of Ghanaian history and Ashanti Monarchy.
• It is located in the northern part of the city and is recognized as West Africa’s
largest cultural center.
• The Palace used to serve as the home of the King of the Ashanti and his royal
family members.
• Today, it is a small historical museum where the King is the central focus because
he controls the final word on issues dealing with the constitution and customs or
traditions.
• There are statues of the current King of Ashanti (King Solomon) in most of the
rooms in the Palace, sculpted from timber by talented wood-carvers.