The Manhyia Palace in Ghana hosted a durbar on Thursday, February 8 as part of events to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War between the Asantes and British colonial leaders.
The Durba
The durba was named after the traditional mourning cloth of the Asantes, called Kuntunkuni, hence the name “Kuntunkuni Durba”. The durbar was used to mourn the over 4,000 Asante soldiers who died during the war as well as the damages the war had on the entire city of Kumasi (The biggest city in the Ashanti region).
The “Kuntunkuni Durba” took place at the “Dwabrem” grounds in the Manhyia Palace.
While some traditional rulers arrived either by foot or in palanquins under either black or red parasols, the Paramount chiefs, paramount queen mothers and heads of Kumasi Traditional Council Divisions had the privilege of riding to the durbar grounds in their palanquins.
The arrival of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of the Asante Kingdom at the durbar will mark the end of the entry of all other chiefs.
Traditional Displays
There are more than five traditional musical groups to perform odes.
Another aspect of the event is the display of spiritual gymnastics by fetish priests and priestesses who have been designated a stand on the grounds.
