“The Rooster and The Clockbird” Fante Asafo Flag circa 1950

Framed Asafo Flag from Ghana.

Superb classic period Fante Asafo flag. The flag depicts an old proverb “We control the Rooster and the Clockbird”, meaning “We are so strong that we control time”.

Asafo Flags have an interesting significance and history. The Fante people who live along the Central Region of Ghana's coast traded extensively with Europeans and were avid buyers of imported cloth. 

Lacking a standing army during the 17th century the Fante organized military groups called ‘Asafo’, the name is derived from ‘sa’ meaning war, and ‘fo’ meaning people.

During this colonization period, the ‘Asafo’ people began adopting European and British military practices such as naming and numbering their states and companies.

The marking of special occasions or the installation of a new ‘Asafo’ chief (Supi) is the main motivation for the creation of a new flag.

These flags are displayed at different social events including annual festivals, ceremonies, and funerals. Simple imagery that is always unique would either depict a historical event, identify the company with an animal, an image of power or depict a confrontational proverb to threaten other rival companies.

Patchwork Applique cut edges to produce fringing, color, and symbolic scenes which is a mirrored image on both sides are typical of an Asafo Flag.
Many carried the Union Jack until Ghana claimed independence in 1957

H: 116cm x W: 162cm