After obtaining artifacts at the Manhyia Palace that were stolen from Kumasi approximately 150 years ago, Ashanti overlord Otumfuo Osei Tutu II claims to have restored the spirit and soul of the Ashanti people.
In 1874, seven golden artifacts were taken from Kumasi and ended up at the Fowler Museum in California. Following multiple unsuccessful attempts by his predecessors, including Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh II, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was able to secure the artifacts.
A durbar of chiefs was held at the Manhyia Palace to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War, which broke out in 1874, as well as to display the artifacts. It honors the 25 years since Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, ascended to the Golden Stool.
The items’ return was made possible by Professor Kwasi Ampene of Tufts University’s music department in Massachusetts, USA.
In an exclusive interview with JoyNews, he states that the Asantehene is pleased with the return of the pure gold artifacts. “I will quote His Royal Majesty and myself when we arrived here, Otumfuo. He claimed to have succeeded in moving Asante’s soul back to its original location.
The objects have spiritual significance for the Asante Kingdom, claims Professor Ampene, a member of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences who has written and studied Asante culture and tradition extensively.
“The objects still hold spiritual significance for us. They would be used and reactivated; they are still active.
They include silver Asipim chairs, Sika Amena, and pure gold necklaces, armbands, and anklets. They were being sent back from the University of California, Fowler Museum in the United States.
A second shipment of artifacts from the British Museum is scheduled to arrive in April of this year and will be displayed outdoors on May 12, 2024, during the Akwasidae Festival festivities.
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was commended by Professor Ampene for starting the return and for being given authority for the project.
“Opemsuo Osei Tutu Ababio deserves recognition for his efforts in this matter, as it was he who gave me the authority to facilitate.” Not only did I do it on my own, but he started the entire process of attempting to retrieve it.
Ivor Agyemang Duah, the project’s technical advisor, tells Joy News that after the museum has undergone restoration, the public will be able to view the artifacts at the Manhyia Palace Museum.
