This excellent pre-independence Fante Asafo flag from Ghana is a true treasure. A wonderful, highly collectible, decorative art piece that tells of a distinct part of African Colonial history.
Size: 38 x 56"
Stitching: hand stitched/embroidery
Material: cotton applique/damask
Canton: United Kingdom
Proverb: Fish grow fat for the benefit of the crocodile (who rules the river)
age: 1940's or 50's
workshop: Saltpond
Artist: Essel Manso (most likely)
Condition: light staining and dye running commensurate with age. No holes!
*This particular flag is a pre-independence Asafo flag likely dating from the 40's or 50's and is a published and exhibited flag from the collection of Paul Rosen. Flags of this age and kind are increasingly rare to find. Many ones of a similar age have been fetching upwards of 10k at auction as less and less come to market and more and more end up in Museum collections.
*published in Emblems of Power: Asafo Flags from Ghana by Paul and Mary Sue Rosen!
History:
Asafo flags derive from the militia groups of the Akan people of Ghana; many of whom lived along the coast and traded with Europeans for cloth. Lacking organised military at the time the Fante peoples organised into Asafo ( Sa meaning War and Fo meaning people) units that protected local interests. The Fante culture continues to this day with regular festivals.
