The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has been honoured with six new Adinkra symbols, crafted to signify his unparalleled leadership and contributions to the preservation and promotion of Asante arts, culture, tradition, and heritage.
These symbols were developed by Aliska Business Advisory and Research, an indigenous financial advisory firm based in Accra, after conducting extensive research over three-and-a-half years.
The New Symbols
One of the prominent symbols, 鈥淥tumfuo Nsa,鈥 or 鈥淭he Hand of Otumfuo,鈥 represents inclusivity and harmony between Asante culture and other cultures.
It signifies the Asantehene鈥檚 firm grasp of cultural heritage and visionary leadership.
Other symbols include two parallel hands, one pointing upwards and the other downwards, reflecting the Asantehene鈥檚 alliance with different cultures; a bulging eye, symbolizing the King鈥檚 intelligence; a staff, representing the Asantehene鈥檚 impact on sustainable national development; and a
symbol highlighting the King鈥檚 contributions to advancing research and education.
The Asantehene welcomed the new symbols, recalling a symbolic hand gesture he made during his enstoolment 26 years ago.
He noted that many chiefs didn鈥檛 understand the gesture at the time, but it has been accurately interpreted by Aliska Business Advisory and Research.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II plans to gift some of these symbols to the King of Eswatini during his visit to the Manhyia Palace this week.
Significance of Adinkra Symbols
Adinkra symbols are an integral part of Asante culture, representing various concepts and proverbs.
The new symbols added to the Adinkra collection will serve as a visual representation of the Asantehene鈥檚 leadership and legacy.