FRANKAA ASAFO MILITARY WARRIOR FLAG COTTON APPLIQUE FANTE GHANA WEST AFRICA

Description

GJPaw
Auctions
is very pleased to offer
a highly dynamic Frankaa or Asafo Military Warrior Flag from the Fante People, Ghana, West Africa. Flags were first used by knights in medieval times to identify their allegiance, but earlier predecessors such as banners and cloth-draped staffs called vexilloids reach far back into the ancient world.  Along the southern coast of Ghana, the use of flags flourished among the Fante people, part of the larger Akan group. Unlike the Asante, their rival neighbors, the Fante never formed a centralized kingdom. Each state was ruled instead by a paramount chief and protected by traditional warrior groups called
Asafo
that used flags extensively.
Sa
meaning 'war' and
fo
meaning 'people,' the Asafo were aptly named military organizations; however, each Fante state had their own separate unit or 'company,' patterned after European military organizations. The primary function of the Asafo warrior groups was defense against hostile neighbors, but they also held considerable power within Fante society. Serving as a political counterbalance, the Asafo were responsible for the selection, enthronement – commonly known as ‘enstoolment’ – and occasionally even the ‘de-stoolment’ of chiefs. Asafo elders would also act as trusted advisors to the ruling elite. Each Asafo company identified itself with a distinct flag, called
frankaa,
which is simply the Fante word for flag. Along with the company's shrine, or fort-like base, the flag was the most important object to the organization. They were flown on tall masts at the shrine with great pride. Although the customs and rituals surrounding flags were influenced by European contact, the designs were distinctly African – rich with symbolism. Most were visual representations of age-old Fante proverbs. As in many tribal societies with no written language, the recitation of proverbs was a widely used method to teach traditions, beliefs and impart wisdom in regard to all aspects of daily life. In the Fante language there are thousands of proverbs, and many were depicted as imagery on the frankaa.
Most flags are cotton applique. This superb example measures 52 inches in width by 32 inches in length (132.0 cm by 81.2 cm). It is in good condition, including light "in-culture" stains, tears, fraying and tiny holes. Guaranteed authentic, it should be a welcome addition to any significant collection of African art.
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