West Africa, Ghana, Asafo people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An interesting hand-sewn cotton textile flag with appliqued figures and hand embroidered details. The Asafo or "war people" are well-organized warrior groups that were sometimes hired by Europeans as auxiliary soldiers. Flags are traditionally created patchwork pieces to represent a proverb or the company. This textile banner features appliqued figures in pink and yellow cooperating in moving a load. The stocking caps they are wearing, part of the regalia of some Asafo companies, and “ASAFO NO. 2” is boldly appliqued across the front. The canton features a modified Union Jack in the corner and the patchwork scene is identical on both sides of flag. The imagery on each Asafo flag asserts the wealth, might, and fighting prowess of its company, and explicitly challenges and mocks rival companies. Size: 60" L x 39" W (152.4 cm x 99.1 cm)

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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#166976

Tearing, discoloration, and staining from use and age as shown. Some fraying to threads around perforations and seams, but all are securely sewn together. Colors are still quite bright, and overall good condition. We recommend displaying in a case to preserve the fabric.