The Asante Empire, also known as the Ashanti Empire, was a powerful West African state located in present-day Ghana. Founded around 1701 by Osei Tutu and his spiritual advisor Okomfo Anokye, the empire unified various Akan states, with Kumasi as its capital. The Golden Stool, believed to house the spirit of the Asante people, symbolized the unity and authority of the Asantehene (king). The empire's wealth stemmed from its abundant gold resources and active participation in regional and trans-Saharan trade. A sophisticated bureaucracy and military organization facilitated its expansion and governance. 

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Asante engaged in several conflicts with British colonial forces, known as the Anglo-Asante Wars. Despite initial resistance, the empire was eventually annexed by the British in 1902, becoming part of the Gold Coast colony. Today, the Asante Kingdom endures as a constitutionally recognized traditional state within Ghana, preserving its cultural heritage and the symbolic significance of the Golden Stool. ​

Asante Sword Bearer, Infantry