In Akan-speaking kingdoms, leaders appoint spokesmen who are steeped in local history and renowned for their oratory and diplomatic skills. These royal advisors have the right to hold such golden staffs as emblems of office. This golden staff is embellished with images that refer to Akan proverbs. The fist on this staff refers to the proverb, “Without the thumb, the hand is useless”—a metaphor for the importance of kingship. The golden stool is the Asante symbol for the king. The chest with lock and key is the exclusive symbol of the royal spokesman. This closed chest implies that spokesmen are the key for citizens to communicate with the king.