Monumental Frankaa or Asafo Military Banner

Monumental Frankaa or Asafo Military Banner

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T0800-034

Monumental Frankaa Or Asafo Military Banner

African Tribal

Ghana

West Africa

Fante People

20th C.

Cotton Applique


Even though the Akan societies in Ghana had no standing army, the asafo or people’s militia, was a well established social and political organization based on military principles. Each asafo group is identified by a particular name and number and through a set of symbols displayed prominently on its flag. Verbal proverbs, a significant facet of Akan culture, are represented by colored cutout figures appliqued on the cotton ground.