The transformation of European forts, castles and flags into local Fante 'asafo' iconography

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Periodical article

Title:	The transformation of European forts, castles and flags into local Fante 'asafo' iconography
Author:	Labi, Kwame A.
Year:	2006
Periodical:	Research Review (ISSN 0855-4412)
Volume:	22
Issue:	1
Pages:	83-98
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Ghana West Africa
Subjects:	visual arts Fanti warriors symbols of power culture contact Art, Architecture, Music, Drama Fanti (African people) art material culture imperialism
Abstract:	The Fante of Ghana organize their agnatic groups into so-called 'asafo' (ward organizations) for the purpose of defence. European symbols of military power, political authority, economic strength, technology and trade, such as forts and castles, cannons and ships, were often incorporated in the traditional art of Fante 'asafo' companies, to express the 'asafo' world view, beliefs and philosophy. There are sociohistoric and cultural aspects to this. An analysis of the subject matter, the content of the foreign symbols and the themes incorporated in two principal 'asafo' art forms - 'posuban' (multicoloured monuments) and 'frankaa' (flags) - and their local explanations, reveals the meanings given to them. The period and circumstances in which 'asafo' monuments and flags are used become the grounds for negotiating their meaning and appreciation. A fluid interpretation of 'asafo' art forms includes an examination of their ownership and use at a particular time and place. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. in English and French. [Journal abstract, edited]