Stories and facts
The Asante Traditional Buildings stand as poignant reminders of Ghana's rich cultural history, nestled in the vicinity of Kumasi. Comprising ten structures dating back to the era of the Ashanti Empire, these buildings serve as tangible symbols of a bygone era. Originally functioning as fetish houses and shrines during the 18th and 19th centuries, they embody the essence of the golden age of the Ashanti Empire.
However, the decline of the empire during the British occupation from 1806 to 1901 brought about significant destruction, with many Asante buildings falling victim to the ravages of time. Among the casualties was the royal mausoleum, demolished in 1895 by Robert Baden-Powell. Despite this devastation, ten structures managed to survive, standing as the last remnants of Asante history and culture. Recognizing their profound cultural significance, these remaining buildings were rightfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980.
Reverently referred to as the "home of men and gods," these houses are crafted using traditional methods, employing timber, bamboo, and mud plaster in a wattle and daub style. Their walls are adorned with bas-reliefs, intricately depicting spiral and arabesque forms, alongside representations of animals, birds, and plants. These reliefs serve as vessels of traditional Adinkra symbols, each carrying unique symbolic meanings deeply entrenched in Asante culture.
Arranged around courtyards and erected on raised plinths, the shrines within these buildings comprise four rooms. Three of these rooms are dedicated to ritual activities, while the fourth remains sacred as the shrine itself, accessible only under strict restriction.
Despite their historical significance, the survival and upkeep of these buildings face formidable challenges. While traditional religious practices persist within the shrines, their construction using mud and straw renders them susceptible to natural decay. Disruptions in maintenance cycles, coupled with a decline in religious usage, pose additional threats to the preservation of these invaluable cultural landmarks.
As guardians of Ghana's heritage, concerted efforts are needed to ensure the continued protection and appreciation of the Asante Traditional Buildings. Only through collective vigilance and dedicated preservation initiatives can we safeguard these treasures for generations to come, honoring the legacy of the Ashanti Empire and preserving Ghana's cultural tapestry.
