New Juaben, A Pictorial Rendition, 3

The Overlord of New Juaben, Obenfuo Oti Boateng I, Daasebre, sitting in state during the climax of the Akwantukese festivities in Koforidua. Daasebre, is seated on a special chair, crafted in commemoration of the festival.

The Ruler of New Juaben, Okoforobour Oti Boateng I, in a regal pose.

A citizen of New Juaben, making obeisance to the Yiadom and Hwedie Akonnwakesee' of New Juaben. Appearing on Daasebre's left, is the Queen of New Juaben, Nana Yaa Daani II. The Mponponsuohene, wearing a cap of eagle feathers, can be seen seated in front of the King, to his left.

WITH KWAME NKRUMAH.

Nana Juaben Serwaa II, alias, Nana Akosua Oheneafrewuo, ex-Juabenhene, in a rare picture with Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's 1st President. Nana, can be seen standing next to Madam Fathia Nkrumah. Nana, in those days, was a powerful female ruler of Juaben, and reigned as both the King and Queen of Juaben, from the late 1950's to the mid 1960's. Nana, later on enstooled her son, Nana Kwabena Boateng I, as Juabenhene, and assumed her former position as Queen of Juaben. Owing to the political exigencies of the time, Nana Kwabena Boateng, later abdicated.
This repository of traditional wisdom, well schooled in the culture, customs and traditions of Juaben and Asante at large, is fortunately still alive and thriving in Juaben. She is now, verging on almost a 100.





Nana Juaben Serwaa II, Ruler of Juaben, sitting in state, during a minor ceremonial.

New Juaben, A Pictorial Rendition, 2

The New Juabenhene seated in a palanquin, listening to the throbbing of the New Juaben fontomfrom. A big bomaa drum ( of the fontomfrom set ) can be seen just behind his person in the picture.

Daasebre, borne majestically in a palanquin during an Akwantukese festival celebration in Koforidua, capital of New Juaben and the Eastern region of Ghana. Nana as seen in this picture appears in the full regalia of state. Resting on the right hand side of the palanquin, borne by the Mponponsuohene of New Juaben, is the Mponponsuo sword of New Juaben, having as an abosodie ( symbolic emblem, a gold cast of a puff-adder). The hilt of the sword is sheated in leopard skin, and also attached to it is a smaller sword.

New Juaben, A Pictorial Rendition, 1

The King of New Juaben, regally sitting in state. Partially obscured, on the King's left, can be seen the Queen of New Juaben, Nana Yaa Daani II, and seated behind her, is Nana Akosua Afrakoma, the Adwamponhemaa of New Juaben. The Adwampons, I stand for correction here, appear to be a branch of the royals of Dwaben.

A stool attendant, in a curious headgear, appears immediately behind Daasebre's chair.....Credit, once again to Foxy Travel Agency.

Daasebre Oti Boateng I, proceeding to a durbar ground, being led by the state swordbearers of New Juaben.......Courtesy of Foxy Travel Agency

The elegantly carved Fontomfrom drum ensemble of New Juaben. As the picture depicts, the drummers ( asokwafoo' ) are busy living up to their name. Perhaps, they are playing the Atopere or maybe, the Akantam( recital of wise sayings ) tunes....Picture, courtesy of

Foxy, travel agency.

Juaben King, At Akwantukese Festival.

The King of Juaben ( Nana Dwabenhene ), Okyerefoo' Otuo Serebour II, sitting in state in a fierce like manner, as befits his pedigree ( being of a noble warrior stock, that won many a laurel in mighty battles past ) during one of the Akwantukese festivals in Koforidua, capital of New Juaben.

As custom dictates, as soon as Nana Juabenhene takes his seat at any durbar, the Sanaahene of Juaben, has to offer a prayer of thanks to Nana Onyankoropon, Nananom Nsamanfo etc. This prayer is offered in one of the oldest modes of prayer known to mankind, that of libation pouring.

Nana is seated in a specially designed seat, which is only sat upon during the Akwantukese festival celebration.

King, Proceeding In State.

The King of New Juaben, Daasebre Oti Boateng I ( In gold embroided cloth ) , proceeding majestically in state, during the celebration of Ghana's 50th Independence anniversary in Accra. In the foreground of the picture can be seen the kokosesefuo of New Juaben ( Dwaben ), bearers of ostrich feathers, in various modes of colour. Immediately infront of Nana, are some of the swordbearers of New Juaben.

In the background of the picture, are some bearers of treasure caskets, known as apem adaka ( said, to contain gold-dust supposedly ).

New Juaben, is an indivisible sister state of Juaben. The people thereof, being Juabens. Office holders in both states, are eligible to contest for positions in either state, should they choose.

Daasebre, is the blood brother of Nana Otuo Serebour II of Juaben.

KING OF SEKYERE SITS IN STATE.

The above is a picture of the King of Sekyere, Osekyerehene Otuo Serebour II, sitting in state at a durbar in Juaben, the capital of his kingdom. Sitting alongside Nana, is the late Queen of Juaben ( Dwabenhemaa ) Nana Akosua Akyaamaa II, alias, Nana Akosua Domtie ( i.e her name in her private capacity ) the uterine mother of Nana Serebour and the current Dwabenhemaa, Nana Akosua Akyaamaa III.

Juaben ( Dwaben ) is located in the area of Asante, known as Sekyere, being referred to as Osekyere P>por> ( > = , a laterally inverted ' c ', as in the Twi language ).

Standing behind the King, are the kwadwom minstrels of Juaben, who chant or sing the kwadwom songs of Juaben, which refers to the genealogy of the King, the historical exploits of the people of Juaben and Asante, and grave incidents in the history of the Kingdom. These chants are expressed in 3 main modes. These are, Nwentene ( the long recitals, which can go on for hours on end, and can be very emotional or moving for listeners ), the Nwentia ( recitals of a short duration. Should they chose, the Kwadwom singers, can use these verses, to make chiefs, proceeding to greet Nana Juabenhene, to stop in their tracks just before they do so....literally, in a show of who is in charge ) and the Asafodee ( another long chant of heroic deeds of Juaben and Kumasi ).

This picture was taken, early in Nana's reign.