Asafo Flags x @sohohome - a selection of wonderful flags will be on display & available at the Soho.Home.Studio pop-up on the Kings Road until the end of February. Huge thanks to @alexiakyriazi and the Soho Home team for the opportunity to share the art of flag makers from the Fante coast of Ghana 🇬🇭 #asafoflags

Excited to share with you our short film of Asafo flag maker Baba Issaka. I have been posting short stories about his work in previous posts but nothing is better than the man himself sharing his own journey. The majority of past flagmakers lived and died without much recognition for thier incredible artistry. Hɛn ndzi atsɛasɛfɔ nyi abɛr a wɔti Nkwa mu - Let’s celebrate the living whilst alive. Click the link in the bio to watch the full film on @documentjournal asafoflags.com/film Special thanks to those involved 🖤 Director: @curtis.essel Production: @33bound Photographer: @cozyshrt Assistant Photographer: @wizsharifah Creative Director: @barbaraeyeson / @curtis.essel Producer: @barbaraeyeson Writer: @ekowbarnes Score: David Ansah Translator: @dherdly_vyl . . . #asafoflags

Supi Kwame Sasah with a selection of his flags at his workshop. Unlike the usual comparable colours of other flagmakers he has a distinct style of using bold vibrant colours on his flags. #asafoflags

...And always ready! 🇬🇭 #asafoflags #ghanatime

“Only catch a leopard if you can tame it” Made by Kwesi Asentsim at the Kormantse workshop. c. 1990s #asafoflags

"Strangers must be studied before they are accepted"  This flag depicts two sides shaking hands - potentially calling a truce for a peaceful co-existence.  Made by Kobina Badowah & Sons at the Kormantse workshop. c. 1980s #asafoflags

“A snake in the grass is better than a snake in a tree.” This proverb suggests that it is easier to deal with a hidden or concealed threat (represented by a snake in the grass) than with an obvious and exposed one (represented by a snake in a tree) #asafoflags

“A knot tied by a wiseman cannot be unlocked by a fool” #asafoflags

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” #asafoflags

While most flags from associated companies have a visible pre & post independence canton a large majority of older flags did not include this in their design. This is another example of the "padlock & key iconology. Proverbial meaning: "No enemy can cross the No.1 Company as we own the lock and key of the state. c. 1930s - 50s #asafoflags

Padlock + keys flag from the Tuafo Asafo No. 1 Company. "We have the power to unlock our potential" The iconology of the padlock and keys depicted on this flag indicates the No.1 Company having power and control over its territory. Often depicted in many flags are Supi (chiefs) holding batons and whips this is also to assert authority. Tuafo Asafo No. 1 Company Posuban Shrine in Anomabo - built c. 1925 & pictured with flag in 1974 by Doran Ross. #asafoflags

“We have the power to unlock our potential” The iconology of the padlock and keys depicted on this flag indicates the No.1 Asafo Company having power and control over its territory. c. 1930 - 40s #asafoflags