The Golden Stool, the sacred symbol of the Asantes; believed to possess the soul of the Asante people

The Golden Stool is the Asante people’s sacred symbol and is thought to hold the sunsum, or soul, of the Asante people.

Legend has it that the stool descended from the sky and has been protected by the Asante people for centuries. It is believed that as long as the Golden Stool remains in their possession, the Asante kingdom will endure.

The Golden Stool, the sacred symbol of the Asantes; believed to possess the sunsum (soul) of the Asante people.

According to legend, Okomfo Anokye, a high priest caused the Golden Stool — sika dwa in the Akan language of the Asante — to descend from heaven in a cloud and landed… pic.twitter.com/ekajkoDasT

— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) May 12, 2024

According to legend, Okomfo Anokye, a high priest caused the Golden Stool — sika dwa in the Akan language of the Asante — to descend from heaven in a cloud and landed on the lap of the first Asante king, Osei Tutu.

Such seats were traditionally symbolic of a chieftain’s leadership, but the Golden Stool is believed to house the spirit of the Asante nation—living, dead and yet to be born.