The sacred porcupine crown worn by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during the late Asantehemaa’s funeral
Following the final burial rites of Asantehemaa, the late Nana Konadu Yiadom III, held from Monday, September 15, to Thursday, September 18, 2025, numerous videos and photos of the crown worn by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II have sparked widespread debate online.
During three of the four days of the ceremony, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was spotted wearing a sacred crown adorned with porcupine quills, cowries, and red cloth.
In one particular video that has gone viral, the Asantehene was seen dressed in a black cloth embellished with cowries, while chewing bitter kola.
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This article will explore the cultural significance of Otumfuo’s sacred crown
Porcupine quills
The porcupine’s quill in the hat is the totem of the Ashanti people.
It symbolises the resilience and bravery of the Asantes.
The porcupine quill embodied in the hat describes the Asante proverb “Kotoko ho huu ne ne mɛtɛɛ,” meaning that the porcupine’s power comes from its quills.
It also represents strength and readiness, and how the porcupine never dies but only multiplies.
Cowries shells
The cowrie shells on top of Otumfuo’s crown signify wealth, spirituality, and protection, which are mostly used during ceremonial purposes.
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The cowrie shell is also used as a divine interpretation.
History notes that it also has spiritual and religious significance, such as divination, because the cowrie shell is used to communicate with the spirits and ancestors.
Red cloth
The red fabric included in the Asantehene’s crown also symbolises how Otumfuo is mourning the demise of his late sister, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
In Akan culture, especially the Ashanti Kingdom, red fabric during burial ceremonies also signifies the solemnity and pain the bereaved are experiencing.
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For Educational Purposes.
Sometimes, Kotoko players are referred to as Mmɛtɛɛ-mma( Offsprings of the quills) referring to the quills of the porcupine.
The hat in this image is made of quills of the porcupine. They stand erect, like the porcupine’s when it enters ‘battle’ mode. pic.twitter.com/ITiux1tBFU— HIGHLIFE lives ON (@GyapKay) September 17, 2025
JHM/EB
Also catch the latest episode of Talkertainment with Ghana’s most-sought-after MC/Hypeman, Kojo Manuel, below:
