Otumfuo’s 'rare' dance at Asantehemaa’s funeral

Ashanti King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II exhibited some unique traditional dancing skills at the final funeral rites of Asanteheemaa, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II.

The Asantehene rarely dances in public except on special occasions like the Asantehemaa’s funeral.

The final funeral rites for the late Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II started on Friday, December 1, with the grand durbar of traditional priests and priestesses’ performances at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

The performances are in preparation and commencement, as tradition demands, to ward off evil spirit for the success of the funeral rites.

The late queen, who was the mother of the current Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, passed away in 2016 at age 109 and was succeeded by Nana Konadu Yiadom II, Asantehene’s elder sister.

In all, 1,500 traditional priests and priestesses are expected to grace the durbar at the Palace to display their skills in drumming and dancing.

Most of them are clad in white calico, talcum powder on their bodies, amulets around the wrists, waists, ankles and holding whist.

Others also, especially the priests dance bare-chested, holding various kinds of sticks.