Dealers in Kuntunkuni cloth, a traditional cloth worn during the Akans’ funeral rites, are making good sales during the final funeral rites of Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.
The Manhyia Palace authorities have designated Kuntunkuni cloth as the dress code for the occasion, which commenced on Sunday, September 14, 2025, and is expected to conclude on September 18, 2025.
Traders told our news team in Kumasi that demand for the cloth is surging.
One dealer observed, “I sold 20 pieces on Sunday, and sales continue to boom as everyone wants to wear Kuntunkuni to connect with their identity.”
The Kuntunkuni cloth comes in various designs, each with its own unique symbolism and name.
Some popular types include “Ohene aforo hyen”, “Adenkrahene”, “Asase tokoro”, “Ese ne keterema”, “Otuo mu esum”, “Asamando esum”, and “Sankofa”.
The price of the cloth varies depending on its design and quality, ranging from GHS800 to GHS4,000
Kuntunkuni cloth, predominantly black, is traditionally worn during funeral rites, and its significance extends beyond aesthetics.
The traditional cloth is woven and sometimes designed with Adinkra symbols and subsequently dyed in predominantly black colours to fit the occasion.
Kuntunkuni is traditionally worn alongside Ahenema slippers, also known as “Kyawkyaw. ”
At the ongoing final funeral rites of Asantehemaa, many attendees, particularly chiefs and queens, were seen wearing Kuntunkuni apparel alongside Ahenema slippers.
The event featured a rich and unique cultural display, “kete” performances, “adowa” dancing, and “fontomfrom,” accompanied by the firing of muskets.
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was seen in his royal Kunkunkuni apparel, seated in a palanquin and accompanied by his sub-chiefs.
Otumfuo was ushered to the funeral grounds with the sound of “fontomforom” drumming.
Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the late Asantehemaa, was born in 1927 and passed away on August 7, 2025.
She served as the 14th Asantehemaa, succeeding her mother, the 13th Asantehemaa, who died in 2016.
Her younger brother is the current Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Many local and foreign dignitaries, including presidents and former presidents, are expected to attend the occasion to transit the late Asantehemaa to her ancestral home.
On the day 3 of the event, saw many dignitaries including MPs, MMDCES, Members of the National and Regional House of Chiefs, Ministers of State, Diplomatic Corps and the general public paying homage to the chief mourner, Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
