Asante Nation Featured in Idris Elba’s Documentary
English actor Idris Elba has delved into his acquired in-depth knowledge of the Asante Kingdom and gold in his latest documentary, titled “Gold: A Journey With Idris Elba”.
The piece explores gold, its relevance, and significance to the world. It then shifts its focus to the “powerful” Asante Kingdom, which was “built on gold” some three hundred years ago.
It also features his “genuine honour” of getting an invitation to be part of the first Akwasidae of the year 2023 during his visit to Ghana in February.
Panning in on bejewelled Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, Idris admitted, never seeing anyone in so much gold as the King was adorned in. Howbeit, he understands it “isn’t some crude display of wealth. Each item of gold is laden with meaning,” he pointed out as he unravelled the mysteries behind them.
“In Ashanti gold doesn’t mean just half gold and half money. It represents spiritual, it represents a deep history and it’s treated with respect.”
Splendour is seen whenever the sacred Akwasidae festival is at hand. The King of the Asante Kingdom will on these days be found covered in symbolic jewels, footwear and traditional cloths.
The fifth Akwasidae of the year for instance saw the King sat in state with a headband embroidered in colours of Asante Kingdom with a chain of golden sea shells around it- known as Adambotire. This spoke to the resilience of the Kingdom.
Another eye-catching and significant display was in his traditional footwear- known as kyawkyaw in the local dialect. It had a hen and its chicks beautifully engraved on the strap which signified protection over the Kingdom.
Gold ornaments on his wrists, fingers, and around his arm emphasized the existence of the richness of the Kingdom.
Each public appearance has its own display and symbolism that accompanies it.
