3. Facts  It is believed that the Ashanti came from NorthWest Africa before they settled  Live in Central Ghana in the rainforests about 150 miles from the coast  Previously called the Gold Coast  Known as fierce fighters “If I go forward I die, If I go backward I die, Better go forward and die”

4. History  Founded in the 1670’s by Osei Tutu He then took title of Asantehene (means ‘king’)  Tradition states that the high priest conjured a golden stool Still remains an important symbol of unity

5. Expansion

6.  Expanded their territory through a series of wars in the 18 th century  Acquired firearms from British and Dutch in exchanged for slaves

7. Collapse  Slave trade was made illegal in 1807  Under Osei Bonsu the Ashanti led campaigns against the British in the early 1800s  1826 – Ashanti were routed by local people under British command  Defeat began the empire’s gradual decline Marked by revolts and further losses

8. Religion  Mixed between spiritual and supernatural powers  Belief that plants, animals, and trees have souls.  Belief in fairies, witches, and forest monsters  Various beliefs that involve ancestors, higher gods, Nyame  Ceremonies for: Marriage, Death, Birth, and Puberty  Golden Stool

9. Today

10. Kente Cloth  It is suggested that Kente tradition dates back further  Earliest weaving comes from Nubia, Kush, and Kemet  Kente cloth was only worn by royalty Even then Kings and Queens only wore them on specific occasions  Through time it became more available Still a symbol though