Home / Living Traditions / Africa: Sahel, West and Central

Encyclopedia ID 1230

Asafo Flag Appliqué

Also known as Asafo flags

Asafo Flag Appliqué: photograph by Lucasliso
Photo: Lucasliso, CC BY-SA 4.0, source on Wikimedia Commons

Stitch cut fabric figures (ships, animals, crowns, anchors) on a square flag to match a motto-picture card, then compare against rival company designs.

Heritage note

Part of the living heritage of Ghana. Some forms of this practice carry deep meaning for the communities who keep it; here we describe the play and the craft only, with respect for its roots. It is presented as sport and skill, never as real fighting.

Origins

A living tradition passed from person to person; it is not tied to a single dated origin. It belongs to the cultural world of Africa: Sahel, West and Central.

Sources

Related entries

More from Ghana

All 13 traditions from Ghana See them on the map