1. African Culture

2. ASHANTI

3. Facts • It is believed that the Ashanti came from NorthWest Africa before they settled • Live in Central Ghana in the rainforests about 150 miles from the coast • Previously called the Gold Coast • Known as fierce fighters • “If I go forward I die, If I go backward I die, Better go forward and die”

4. History • Founded in the 1670’s by Osei Tutu • He then took title of Asantehene (means ‘king’) • Tradition states that the high priest conjured a golden stool • Still remains an important symbol of unity

5. Expansion

6. Expansion • Expanded their territory through a series of wars in the 18th century • Acquired firearms from British and Dutch in exchanged for slaves

7. Collapse • Slave trade was made illegal in 1807 • Under OseiBonsu the Ashanti led campaigns against the British in the early 1800s • 1826 – Ashanti were routed by local people under British command • Defeat began the empire’s gradual decline • Marked by revolts and further losses

8. Religion • Mixed between spiritual and supernatural powers • Belief that plants, animals, and trees have souls. • Belief in fairies, witches, and forest monsters • Various beliefs that involve ancestors, higher gods, Nyame • Ceremonies for: Marriage, Death, Birth, and Puberty • Golden Stool

9. Today

10. Kente Cloth • It is suggested that Kente tradition dates back further • Earliest weaving comes from Nubia, Kush, and Kemet • Kente cloth was only worn by royalty • Even then Kings and Queens only wore them on specific occasions • Through time it became more available • Still a symbol though