The Golden Axe is one of the most important regalia attached to the Golden Stool (Sika Dwa Kofi) .
The Golden Axe is used in diplomatic missions by Asantehene’s court officials (Ɛsɛn and Akyeame) asa symbole of peace.
The Golden Axe(Sika Akuma) presented to Queen Victoria .
Though , nither a linguist staff nor a sword , the Golden Axe is used as a leading Official Linguist Staff or a leading Official Sword of Office at a final stage of the last of a series of peaceful negotiations that aims at peace.
The Golden Axe , which was made in the days of Asantehene Kofi Karikari (Ofibriti Akyɛmpɔ) 1867-1874 , is said to have spiritual power of peace ; capable of turning a conflict situation into a peaceful one .
When the Golden Axe leads a negotiation team and the negotiation fails , Asante shall have no alternative but return home to be battle ready .
In the late 1860 s , Asantehene Kofi Karikari demonstrated to the British that the Asante nation was and still is for peace NOT war .
The Golden made to replace the original
When the British Officials at the Coast of what is now Ghana , misinterpreted the meaning of the Golden Axe to mean a symbol of war , Asantehene Kofi Karikari ordered that the Golden Axe to be given to the then Queen of Britain , Queen Victoria (1837-1901) through her representatives at the Coast as a sign of peace .
Asantehene Kofi Karikari , it is said , later replaced the Golden Axe to avoid the vacuum he created among Asante regalia .
It is for this reason that the Golden Axe in the British Museum of Mankind apper different in size and shape from what is in the Manhyia Palace Museum .
Source: The Kingdom Of Asantes/Teacher Safo Kantanka.
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