Asafo flag (frankaa)

This flag, known as a frankka in Fante, is an important, creative expression of the power and identity expressed by the various Asafo Companies among the Fante people of West Africa. Translating to “war (sa) people (fo),” Asafo Companies not only protect the Fante state they are a part of, but they also play a crucial role in their own communities and selection and advisement of chiefs. Flags such as this are utilized as displays of the power, strength, and pride of the Asafo Company. In some cases, there were also used to taunt or insult opposing Asafo Companies. Depending on when the flag was created, Asafo flags usually have either the Union Jack flag or Ghanan Flag in one of the upper corners. The Union Jack on this flag indicates that this flag was created during British colonial rule before Ghanan independence in 1957. The imagery of the three men facing the three birds could potentially allude to the proverb, “We came to fight, but not you birds.” This taunting phrase would mean that this company does not consider its enemies worth fighting.

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Fighting Words: Proverbs in Asafo Flags of Ghana, The Textile Museum, Washington DC, May 25, 2001 - August 12, 2001