It is a uniquely patterned hairstyle reserved for the royal maidens of the Asantehemaa.
Tracing its origins to the ancient Asante kingdom, the hairstyle, known locally as “Nkyimkyim”, is now worn occasionally by female servants at the Manhyia Palace to distinguish themselves as the sole maidens of the Queen of Asantes.
As the Asante kingdom prepares to pay its last respects to their monarch, Nana Konadu Yiadom III, the 13 maidens of the Queen mother are eulogizing her legacy and impact with the unique hairdo.
In their royal regalia, they moved and danced majestically to the rhythm of the drums and horns at a public durbar of the Asanteman.
The royal maidens of the Asantehemaa, known locally as “Mmodwoafoɔ” are the unique servants of the Queenmother who run errands for her both indoors and publicly.
They lead and sit right before the Asantehemaa at durbar grounds just like the “Afenakurafɔ” of the Asantehene’s court.
Their appellation to the Asantehemaa at the durbar to welcome king of Eswaitni was to be the last time they would ever chant to the 14th Queen mother of the Asante kingdom.
Today, grief fills their hearts. A Queen, they had always called a caring mother, has left them to take the “deep sleep”.
They chanted and sang some of the favorite songs of the deceased Queen mother to adore her.
While their service may be likened to the maidens of other subordinate Queens in the kingdom, their unique hairstyle sets them apart.
As the Queen joins her ancestors, these maidens pay their last respects to her with the unique ‘Nkyinkyim’ hairstyle.
The Mmodwohene leads and guides the duties of these ladies at the Queen’s palace.
“This hairstyle distinguishes them from the other maidens. Once you see them, then you know the Asantehemaa is making an appearance,” she noted.
With a scissor and comb, six curvy lines are cut through their hair to secure their royal identity.
“We hold the middle of the hair and cut through it to form six lines. We leave some hair at the fore head and at the back of the head,” she narrated.
Drawn from other royal families in the kingdom, they are attendants of purity and loyalty, whose very presence magnifies the honor of the Queen’s stool.
“They replaced when they grow up and get married. We start grooming them at the age of 7. They come from various families in the kingdom,” she noted
As Asanteman prepares for the ‘Dote Yie’ or burial rites of the Asantehemaa, what are the fondest memories she left with these maidens.
“She saw us as his children and grandchildren. She accepted us as her own. It’s through her that we are also deemed relevant. This is a challenging time for us. Even though we know she is gone, we are certain Asantehene will take care of us through the help of God,” one of the maiden recounted in tears.
Their services may have ended to the deceased Queenmother, but they wait in earnest for the enstoolment of yet another Asantehemaa to continue their duties with discipline and without blemish.