Royalty In Ghana

Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, The Asantehene during an Adae Celebration
In Kumasi. The swordbearer on Nana's left is the Busumuruhene.
Odeefuo has now crossed the Great River. Getty Images

The Beautiful Fante Queen of Mankessim, Nana Ama Amissah II.

A dark complexion that surpasses the fair one, I must say. Getty

Images

The New Juabenhene, Nana Oti Boateng I, in Accra, during a durbar to

welcome Queen Elizabeth II to Ghana in 1999. Getty Images.

Daasebre Oti Boateng I, The Ruler of New Juaben.

Courtesy: Getty Images

A traditional embrace for Pres. Bush by the New Juaben Ruler.

Nana acknowledges Pres. Bush.

The Mamponghene, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, in Accra, in 1999.

The late Ruler of Asumegya in Asante, the Asumegyahene Odeneho Oduro Numapau II

sitting in state in Kumasi during an Adaekese celebration in 1985/86. On Nana's left is the

Queen of Asumegya, Nana Nyankoropon. The Asumegyahene is the head of the Aduana

clan in Asante, and the Benkumhene of Asante. Relations of his, are the Kumawus, Agogos,

Kwamangs, and the now 'recalcitrant' Dormaas.

Some Adowa moves by Nana Serwaa.

Well Moulded Heads, and Allure of the Black Complexion.

Need I say more? The finest example of the beauty of a well sculptured head in the Asante
Asante and in some cases, the Akan tradition. Note the symmetry of the face, the slight
forward projection of the forehead, the sharpness and narrowness of the nasal bridge, and
though not evident here, the roundness and slight rearward projection of the back of the
head. The smoothness and allure of the shiny black complexion, further accentuated by the
masterful application of nkoto ( sheabutter ), is self evident. Ahh! tumtum a ekyen kokoo paa
nie? Courtesy of Getty Images.

The young maidens who whisk flies and harmful spirits from the King of Ashanti's

prescence. Again, one should note the beautiful, symmetric heads. This represents

an ideal concept of an Asante/Akan female head shape. Ah...tumtum a ekyen kokoo.

The masterful application of sheabutter, also serves to accentuate the innate shimmer of

their black complexions.

The Mprakyire of the Asantehene. Ahh, this is what they call the beautiful, shiny black

complexion or? Again, note the smoothness and slightly projecting foreheads of these young

daughters of the royal house. This represents the Akan concept of beauty. Our young

mothers, take a cue. Credit: Getty Images

A representation of an ideal Asante and in some cases, Akan head. Note the symmetry

of the face ( although difficult to show, owing to picture orientation ) and the slanted or

sloping forehead. Courtesy of Getty Images

He Who Sits On Gold.

The King of Asante, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, displaying some of the hallmarks of his high office.
The accolade, Ote kokoo soo', is given an apt expression here. Courtesy: Getty Images

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Occupant of the Golden Stool sitting in state in Morocco. Partially

obscured on the King's right is the Ruler of Juaben(Dwaben), Okyerefoo' Otuo Serebour

II, the Juabenhene and head of the Royals of Asante. Courtesy: Getty Images

Ghanaian/Juaben Hospitality

When two intellectual giants meet, I guess it's all lovely, or?
The Ruler of New Juaben(Dwaben), His Benevolence ( Daasebre )
Oti Boateng I, welcomes warmly, Dr Rice. Picture Credit: Getty Images

An affectionate Akwaaba, I guess. Picture Credit: Getty Images

Condi Rice and Nana Boateng, going through the Akwantukese 2007 publication.

Picture Credit: Getty Images

Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings

The former first lady, I've observed, is looking good these days. May be, relieved of the burdens of office ( herself and her husband ), her natural beauty has come to the fore. Actually, I think, Nana's mother did a very good job---or is it her grandmother?---, her head, has been moulded in a very typical Asante/Akan fashion, akin to an Akuaba head.

This art of moulding the head, to smoothen out imperfections etc, is now unfortunately dying out. Perhaps, young mothers ought to encouraged to take up this very positive, beauty enhancing cultural practice.

Nana, sitting instate. Flanked on the left by the Queen of Yilo Krobo, the Adwamponhemaa, the Santanhemaa and the Asokorehemaa

Nana sitting in state. On his left, is the Queen of Yilo Krobo, followed by Nana Akosua Afrakoma II, the Adwamponhemaa of New Juaben, then the Santanhemaa of NJ, the Asokorehemaa of NJ and other ahemaafuo of New Juaben. The Paramount Queen of New Juaben, Nana Yaa Dani II, I'm informed, didn't attend....Hmmm, Asem?

The Ruler of New Juaben, Nana Oti Boateng I, welcomes the American President.

Nana Akosua Afrakoma, The Juaben Odehye3

On the right hand side of this picture, close to Mrs Laura Bush, is Nana Akosua Afrakoma, of the royal stock of Juaben, and currently the Adwampong Ohemaa of New Juaben. Odehye3, Asante ahoofe yo poo.

Gold Laden Hands of Osekyerehene

The Proud Occupant of the Yiadom and Hwedie Great Stool, Okyerefuo Otuo Serebour II, displaying some of the hallmarks of his status. Daasebre, Mo Ne Yo!