The Mystery Of The Golden Stool (based on a supposedly truelife event).
Long long ago (around the 17th & 18th century), when most modern day countries were still Empires, Southern Ghana was once known as the Asante (Ashanti) Empire. This mighty empire was founded and first ruled by a certain man named Osei Tutu, born in c. 1660.
However before Asante became an empire, there were small separate kingdoms within the same Asante region. They also had terrific and powerful neighbours known as the Denkyera. Osei Tutu who was then a chief of one of the small kingdoms (Kumasi kingdom), observed and wisely acknowledged that only a fusion of all the kingdoms could withstand the oppression from the Denkyeras'.
Osei Tutu then began to make moves but, ultimate power was needed to greatly achieve this since he was just a chief.
So, Osei Tutu had to rise to the position of the Asantehene who was the head ruler of all the several kingdoms. During the next elections, campaigns were held that crushed that of his oppositions and after so many genuine efforts, Osei Tutu emerged winner. True to his words, he and and his friend and adviser, Okomfo Anokye (okomfo means priest) led the union as they worked together to combine the groups into a single strong union (c.1680–90).
One day, Okomfo Anokye declared that he had a mission from Nyame, their supreme god. Nyame had ordered him to make the Asante into a great people. Osei Tutu had to call a vast assembly of people to announce this message from their god.
Something incredibly mysterious happened at the
gathering...
Okomfo Anokye suddenly 'brought down from the sky' a wooden stool that was partly covered in gold, and caused this stool to come to rest on Osei Tutu's knees! He declared that the Golden Stool contained the spirit of the whole Asante people.
(WOW!)
He further told the chiefs and people that their power, health, bravery and welfare, were all symbolised in this Stool. Of course, the chiefs and people accepted this. Osei Tutu then began to make laws for the Asante groups, who were now welded into a union by the Golden stool event.
Interestingly, this historical fantasy didn't end here. The story further reveals the intent and efforts of a thief of ancient relics to steal the Golden stool, which in turn aroused a thrilling battle of departed kings and guardians of the Golden Stool in an ancient tomb building, for this stool carried power...
Who is this thief of African ancient relics like beads, sculptures of gods, crafts made with clay, bronze and the likes? (Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below).
How did he/she find out about the power of the golden stool and what happened finally?
Find out in the next part, next week... DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!
References
- A History of West Africa 1000-1800 by Basil Davidson. Pages 238-246.
- Encyclopedia Britannica (web search).
Surely every African kingdom has a history that superintendent their society before the incursion of the white men into our history and culture.
ReplyDeleteAfrica had her own culture, sciences and technology.
Africa had her way of treatment of all diverse range of illnesses.
Africa had her system of government and governance.
The White men came and destroyed our religion.
They took away like the Golden Stool all our history.
Africa can be great again.
If we know where we were coming from and decide where we are going from here.
You're absolutely right! Thanks.
DeleteGhana!!!!! A great country
ReplyDeleteQuite an interesting read
ReplyDelete