As part of activities commemorating the final funeral rites of the late Queen Mother of the Asante Kingdom, Nana Afia Serwaa Ampem II, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in line with the customs and traditions wore a big smock termed ‘Batakari Kesee’.
The traditional smock is worn to showcase the customs and rites of the Asante Kingdom during wars and to protect the King from his enemies.
The ‘Batakari Kesee’ is deemed holy and dignified since it has never touched water to maintain its glory and significance in the history of wars in the Ashanti kingdom.
Mounted in his palanquin, the ‘Oyoko’ family will escort Otumfuor Osei Tutu to the Manhyia forest after he had donned the extraordinary smock, which has been passed on from rulers in the Ashanti Kingdom.
Political figures such as former president Kufour and the current Education Minister Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh among others paid homage to Otumfuor Osei Tutu as he commenced his journey to the Manhyia Palace to continue the final funeral rites for the Asantehemaa.
See the photos below:
