Ahead of the arrival of Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua, the Paramount Chief of Kumawu (Kumawumanhene), his subjects engaged in a deeply symbolic tradition by smearing themselves with red clay.
The gesture, performed before his presence at the royal burial rites (Doteyie) of the late Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, reflected the community’s reverence and loyalty to their chief.
Red clay, in Ashanti tradition, is a powerful symbol of mourning, resilience, and solidarity. By covering themselves, the people demonstrated unity in grief and respect for both the Kumawumanhene and the late Queen Mother.
The scene was described as moving, with men, women, and youth participating in the act, which has been passed down for generations. Many observers hailed it as a vivid reminder of the strength of Ashanti customs.
Cultural experts say such practices continue to affirm the identity of the Kumawu people, keeping ancestral traditions alive while honoring the authority of their chief.
Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua’s presence at the funeral rites was seen not only as a moment of cultural importance but also as a reinforcement of Kumawu’s ties to the wider Ashanti Kingdom.
As the rituals unfold, the symbolic red clay will remain etched in the memory of many as a testament to the enduring heritage of Kumawu.
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