Just In : Why Otumfour Osei Tutu II Was Covered With An Umbrella During A Closed-door Meeting With King Charles

Some social member users are astonished that the Asantehene wore an umbrella in an enclosed room.

But is the use of the umbrella in the Kingdom of Ashanti limited to outdoor events to shield the monarch from extreme weather?

Literature indicates that the use of umbrellas by monarchs of the Ashanti Kingdom is highly symbolic and not just for protection against extreme weather.

Here are some of the reasons why umbrellas are used in the Kingdom of Ashanti:

The Akan devised a variety of umbrellas, known as 'kyiny3' in the Twi language, in response to the need to provide a cover or canopy for their chiefs and kings.

The Asantehene possesses a variety of umbrellas that represent significant traditions and the authority of the Ashanti Kingdom's ruler.

The Prks umbrella was created for King Opoku Ware with 'prks' as the ntuatire, and it represents the Asantehene's omnipresence and omnipotence, as his presence can be sensed everywhere.

In addition, there is the 'ykoman'. Made specifically for King Osei Tutu. It indicates that the imperial family is a member of the oyoko clan, and thus this umbrella represents them.

When Otumfuo Osei Tutu met King Charles, he was covered with an umbrella that resembled one of three umbrellas known as 'akrnpnkyiny' or 'as patom kyiny3'.

It is composed of two 'ahahrata' leaves and serves as a symbol of unity. It derives from the proverb "Ahahrata mienu kabom a, y pepe," which translates to "when two ahahrata leaves are brought together, they produce thousands; a symbol of unity."