Textiles of Ghana

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Textiles of Ghana
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Where is Ghana?
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Kente

• Woven on a loom by Asante people
• Originally represented wealth
• Worn for special occasions
• Symbols colors have meanings

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More Kente Patterns
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Adinkra Cloth

• Created by Asante people
• Symbols have spiritual meanings

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• Represents egocentrism

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• From the maxim Nea onnim sua a, ohu nea odwen
  se onim dodo no, se ogyae sua a, ketewa no koraa
  a onim no firi ne nsa.
• Literal translation He who does not know can
  become knowledgeable from learning he who thinks
  he knows and ceases to continue to learn will
  stagnate.

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• Used for installation of a new leader
• Sword and gun represent power.

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• Siamese crocodiles are joined at the stomach.
• Represents sharing of power (democracy) and
  interdependence of people.

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Queen Mothers Stoolrepresents power
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How Adinkra is made
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The Cloth in Action

• http//www.customflix.com/Store/ShowTtl.jsp?id204
  781

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Asafo Flags

• Military banners for Militia groups
• Made by Fante people of Ghana
• Adapted from European flags and may date back to
  first European contact
• Often illustrate proverbs
• Often brag or taunt rivals

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• Posuban shrines (Military headquarters) display
  Asafo flags

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Whats that thing in the corner?

• British Union Jack was used in the corner when
  Ghana was controlled by Great Britain. Often
  drawn inaccurately.
• After independence in 1957, Ghanas flag is used.

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Some Examples Meanings

• "He can fly and penetrate the earth he can go
  wherever he wants to go."

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• The crab is small, but if it gets inside, it can
  kill an elephant.

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• The game of Checkers is a metaphor for war.

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• Three gongs as symbol for the state of alarm.
• Image of a Posuban-shrine, from which a rainbow
  ascends.
• Rainbow is a symbol for death, for like the
  rainbow folds itself around someone's neck, so is
  death the fate which threatens us all.

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• When even our women have been prepared for war,
  what are our men capable of?

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• We are Lock and Key of the State" we are in
  control of the state.
• Starlight is seen as light emanating from the
  Gods.

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• No head weighs as much like the one on the
  scales the losses on your own side always weigh
  the heaviest.

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• When a deceiving man tells you to climb a tree,
  you have to tell him to climb it first. If he
  finds a comfortable spot you can follow him.
• When a hen stays too long in a house it becomes
  red (because of dust and earth).

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More information

• http//www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/smithsonian/issue
  s01/aug01/ghana_flags.html

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Your assignmentMake your own Asafo flag

• Work with one partner.
• Choose a proverb from the list. Please return the
  proverbs list when you are done.
• Use simple designs.
• Draw a rough draft illustration on paper.
• Create a full-color version using construction
  paper.
• Include a flag from Ghana, the UK or USA in the
  corner.
• Write the proverb on the front of your flag in
  big letters.
• Also write what the proverb means in your OWN
  WORDS.
• Put both names on it.

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Asafo Flags Exit Slip

• 1.Choose ONE element of visual art (Line, Color,
  Texture, Shape/Form, Space) and IDENTIFY,
  DESCRIBE EXPLAIN how it is used in your Asafo
  Flag.
• 2. Choose ONE principle of visual art (Balance,
  Unity, Variety, Contrast, Emphasis) and IDENTIFY,
  DESCRIBE EXPLAIN how it is used in your Asafo
  Flag. Remember principles need a buddy from the
  elements.