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Flag
The Asafo flags made in the country of Ghana illustrate over 200 different proverbs. "The flags are the property of military companies known as asafo (sa, 'war' and fo, 'people') which were organized to defend the territory of the state."(1) Often times a town will have more than one company this creates competition between the different groups. These rivalries are often depicted in the proverbs shown on the flags. The proverb linked to this piece is "We can carry water in a basket using cactus as a head cushion." The interpretation is "The Asafo company is claiming the ability to accomplish the impossible as a warning to its enemies."(2) The Asafo flags are usually 3 feet by 5 feet although certain groups create longer banners that can range up to 300 feet with a width of 3 feet. The different figures and color pieces are appliquéd onto the black ground fabric. Through embroidery they create an additional texture for the details such as the eyes and the cactus needles seen on this flag. The material that is most commonly used is cotton fabric although pieces have been done with other fabrics such as felt, satin and silk. Since the objects are viewed from two sides the design is mirrored on the back. Before their independence from the United Kingdom in March 1957 many of the flags featured the Union Jack. Later flags can be dated because of the inclusion of the Ghanaian flag. Cotton, Appliqué (1) Gittinger, Mattiebelle. Fighting Words: Proverbs in Asafo Flags of Ghana. Exhibition brochure. The Textile Museum. 2001. (2) Exhibited in, Fighting Words: Proverbs in the Asafo Flags of Ghana. The Textile Museum. May 25- August 12, 2001.
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