Palanquins are very significant when it comes to the culture of Southern Ghana. In the West, they are referred to as Litters.
The main purpose of a Palanquin (Litter) is to transport mostly royals like Kings, Queens, Prince’s, Emperors or very valuable items like the ‘Ark of the covenant of the Lord’ in biblical days. They may take the form of open chairs or beds carried by two or more carriers, with some being enclosed for protection from outsiders.
In Ghana, palanquins are significant aspects of our culture in the south and mostly used to outdoor chiefs for the first time after enstoolment. After this, the palanquin is kept as a royal insignia hidden away in the stool house of the respective family and only used again during very special occasions like grand festivals. They come in various forms where the chief or queen-mother may sit with legs stretched or upright when its modelled like a chair.
Source: Nycefmonline
