The Complete History of the Ashanti Kingdom: Part 2
The Founding of the Ashanti Kingdom (17th Century)
By Kwadwo Afrifa – November 26, 2024 14:30pm
Introduction
The founding of the Ashanti Kingdom in the 17th century marked the beginning of one of Africa’s most formidable pre-colonial states. Emerging from a confederation of Akan clans, the Ashanti overcame internal divisions and external domination to create a powerful and enduring political entity. This transformation was spearheaded by visionary leaders such as Osei Tutu and Okomfo Anokye, who established the Golden Stool as the spiritual and political cornerstone of the kingdom. This article explores the processes, key figures, and cultural innovations that underpinned the Ashanti Kingdom’s founding.
The Ashanti under Denkyira Domination
Before their unification, the Ashanti clans were vassals of the Denkyira state, one of the most powerful Akan polities in the forest zone. The Denkyira dominated the Ashanti economically, demanding tributes of gold, slaves, and other resources. This subjugation fostered resentment among the Ashanti clans, who sought autonomy but lacked the political unity and military strength to resist.
The Denkyira also controlled key trade routes, limiting the Ashanti’s access to lucrative markets and further stoking tensions. The Ashanti clans recognised that only a united front could challenge Denkyira hegemony and secure their independence.
The Role of Osei Tutu
Osei Tutu, a member of the Oyoko clan, played a pivotal role in the Ashanti’s rise to power. As a young leader, he spent time in the court of the Denkyira, gaining valuable insights into their governance and military strategies. Upon his return, he assumed leadership of the Oyoko clan and began to consolidate power among the Ashanti clans.
Osei Tutu recognised that unity was essential for the Ashanti to challenge Denkyira domination. He forged alliances with other Ashanti clans, using diplomacy and strategic marriages to strengthen ties. He also cultivated relationships with disaffected Denkyira subjects, building a coalition of forces willing to resist the Denkyira.
Okomfo Anokye and the Golden Stool
Okomfo Anokye, a spiritual leader and close advisor to Osei Tutu, was instrumental in uniting the Ashanti clans. As a high priest, Okomfo Anokye wielded significant influence through his mastery of spiritual practices and his reputation for performing miracles. He used his authority to legitimise Osei Tutu’s leadership and to create a sense of shared identity among the Ashanti.
The most enduring symbol of this unification was the Golden Stool, which Okomfo Anokye is said to have conjured from the heavens. According to oral tradition, the stool descended onto the lap of Osei Tutu, symbolising his divine right to rule and the unity of the Ashanti people. The Golden Stool became the repository of the Ashanti spirit and the embodiment of their collective identity, transcending clan loyalties.
Okomfo Anokye also established laws and rituals to reinforce this unity, ensuring that the Ashanti adhered to common cultural and spiritual practices.
The Unification of the Ashanti Clans
The Ashanti clans, previously autonomous and often in conflict, were brought together under Osei Tutu’s leadership. The new Ashanti Union was structured as a confederation, with each clan retaining some autonomy but pledging allegiance to the Asantehene (king). This balance of power allowed the Ashanti to maintain unity while respecting local governance traditions.
The political structure of the Ashanti Union was innovative, with the Asantehene serving as both a spiritual and temporal leader. A council of chiefs, known as the Asanteman Council, advised the king and ensured that all clans had a voice in governance. This system fostered cooperation and prevented the internal divisions that had previously weakened the Ashanti.
The Ashanti-Defence Alliance and the Defeat of Denkyira
With their unity secured, the Ashanti turned their attention to liberating themselves from Denkyira domination. Osei Tutu and Okomfo Anokye worked tirelessly to build a formidable military force, introducing new strategies and tactics that emphasised discipline and coordination.
In the early 18th century, the Ashanti launched a decisive campaign against the Denkyira. The Battle of Feyiase (c. 1701) marked a turning point in Ashanti history. The Ashanti army, inspired by their newfound unity and led by Osei Tutu, inflicted a crushing defeat on the Denkyira forces. This victory not only secured Ashanti independence but also established the kingdom as a regional power.
Cultural Innovations of the Founding Period
The founding of the Ashanti Kingdom was accompanied by significant cultural innovations, many of which were designed to reinforce unity and identity. These included:
- The Codification of Laws: Okomfo Anokye introduced legal codes that regulated behaviour, resolved disputes, and maintained social harmony.
- The Adinkra Symbol System: Adinkra symbols, which represent philosophical concepts and proverbs, were popularised during this period as a means of communicating values and ideals.
- Festivals and Rituals: Ceremonies such as the Akwasidae festival were institutionalised to honour the ancestors, celebrate the Golden Stool, and reinforce communal bonds.
Conclusion
The founding of the Ashanti Kingdom in the 17th century was a transformative moment in West African history. Under the visionary leadership of Osei Tutu and the spiritual guidance of Okomfo Anokye, the Ashanti clans overcame their divisions and established a unified state built on shared culture, political innovation, and military strength. The creation of the Golden Stool symbolised this unity and set the stage for the Ashanti’s emergence as a dominant regional power. This foundational period continues to shape the identity and legacy of the Ashanti people to this day.
Resonance: A Solo Exhibition by Isaac Ako Sowa, features a collection inspired by the profound and symbolic lecture delivered by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, King of the Ashanti Kingdom, on 19th July 2024 at the British Museum.
References
Boahen, A. A. (1975). Topics in West African History. London: Longman.
McCaskie, T. C. (1995). State and Society in Pre-Colonial Asante. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Wilks, I. (1993). Forest of Gold: Essays on the Akan and the Kingdom of Asante. Athens: Ohio University Press.
Kyerematen, A. A. Y. (1964). Okomfo Anokye and the Golden Stool. London: Longman.
Owusu-Ansah, D. (1994). Historical Dictionary of Ghana. Lanham: Scarecrow Press.
