STORY ABOUT AKAN WAR CLOTH / BATAKARI KESSE

The Early Akan States were known for Wars during the early 18th Century. These various States fought among themselves for land and power expansion.

The Dormaa’s ,Akwamu’s Akyems Asante’s and Denkyira were all various Akan States with powerful War Machinery.

And during these War days they were not only relying on the Weaponry which were Bows and Arrow,Spears But super natural powers (Juju)

Batakari Kesse or Okofo Ataade is a Divination, magic, and healing rituals smock or Dress made for Kings,Chief and Warriors for war.

Most Akan war Tunic or ‘’Batakari ‘’

are custom-made and comes with specific instructions to their owners about how

to activate the garment’s inherent powers and about the taboos that govern its proper handling. 

They were keen to exploit the magical powers believed to reside in Talismans containing copied Qur’anic inscriptions and concoction of herbs considered efficacious as spiritual protection,animal horns, teeth, and skins encased in leather and sewn

on Chiefs and Warriors ’ war tunics,BATAKARI KESSE, headdresses, and accessories

Although it was originally intended to offer protection for the wearer in battle, it fell into disuse after the British imposed colonial rule on the Akan and the rest of the Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1874, leading to many decades of relative peace (the Pax Britannica). 

The war tunic thus became a relic of the past worn only on ceremonial occasions. Akan chiefs and families that are descended from important warrior chiefs have held on to old tunics, sometimes wearing them for nostalgic reasons or to advertise their family’s past contributions to civic life.