Day 4 ; Asantehemaa’s final funeral rites: Asantehene wears Batakari Kesee ( PHOTOS)
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II will for the second time wear the “Batakari Kese”, traditional war amour, since he ascended to the Golden Stool, to mourn his late mother as the final funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II enters day 4.
some chiefs wearing batakari
The Asantehene first wore it in 2000 during the final funeral rites of his late brother Asantehene Otumfuo Opoku Ware II.
The “Batakari Kese” was given to the late Asantehene Osei Tutu I by his friend and a fetish priest, Okomfo Anokye, as traditional armour during wars.
It is believed that it contains magical powers that protect the Kings and ward off all evil powers that come their way.
Section of mourners
Today’s event will see the Ashanti King wearing the Batakari Kese from the Pampaso Stool House at Adum, in a palanquin and parading the streets to the Manhyia Palace.
All traditional chiefs, wearing their traditional armours will join the Asantehene at Pampaso, firing musketries to escort the King to the Palace.
The event signifies that indeed Asanteman is the state of mourning the late Queenmother.
A section of chief holding guns
The Asantehene will sit in state to distribute palm wine, receive sympathizers and donations at the Dwabrem forcourt at the Palace.
The final funeral rites for the late queen who passed away in November 2016 is set for December 1 to December 15.
Source: otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah