Traders of Kuntunkuni cloth, a traditional cloth worn during Akans' funeral rites, are experiencing a surge in sales following the final funeral rites of Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

The Manhyia Palace had designated Kuntunkuni cloth as the dress code for the occasion, which commenced on Sunday, September 14, 2025, and expected to conclude on September 18, 2025.

Traders told Kumasi FM's Elisha Adarkwah that demand for the cloth is rising, with purchases surging. 

One trader noted, "I sold fifteen 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 GHS700 to GHS3,500.

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.

Adanwomase, a traditional town in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti region, is renowned for weaving this iconic cloth.

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 observed 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 chief mourner, 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 in August 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. 

The final funeral rites, being held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, began on Monday, September 15, 2025, and are expected to conclude on September 18, 2025. 

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.