Fante asafo flags of Abandze and Kormantze: a discourse between rivals

African Arts, Winter, 2002 by Kwame A. Labi

Finally, after a history of a provocative and competitive discourse between the flags of the Kormantse and Abandze asafo, Kormantse Nkum has recognized the importance of peace with rival Abandze. This realization is written in English on the flag in Figure 23. The two men shaking hands represent the peaceful settlement of a conflict over the lagoon that forms a common boundary between the two asafo. Nkum had been found guilty of obstructing Abandze's use of the lagoon, and it was agreed that both companies should have access to this source of fresh water. Furthermore, Nkum came to believe that those in Abandze Company are not only their neighbors but their "children," so the two asafo should unite and support one another. This incident is recounted in a flag made of woven plant fiber usually used to weave sleeping mats or door blinds.

The flags from Abandze and Kormantse Bentsir No. 1 and Nkum No. 2 propagate each company's values or record particular historical incidents involving a rival asafo. The Abandze flags mainly contain themes which insult the other two companies, referring to past conflicts in which Abandze was the victor. Kormantse Bentsir disregards Abandze's posturing and makes only general reference to that asafo as one of those they will fight if provoked. Bentsir is more concerned about its relationship with Nkum, regarded as an unworthy local rival. On the other hand, Nkum claims to be the oldest most mature of the companies; it is therefore willing to aid other asafo in times of need, and it recognizes the importance of peaceful coexistence with its neighbors.

Since 1803, when "flags of defiance" were raised on the Cape Coast, asafo flags have incorporated depictions of animals, plants, and other symbols to project their company's image and to convey specific messages to competing companies. The flags of Abandze and Kormantse companies are examples of a lively visual dialogue between Fante asafo. As such they are valuable historical and social documents as well as engaging works of art.

[This article was accepted for publication in July 2002.]

(1.) Later writers such as Ellis (1.887), Brown (1929), and Annobil and Ekuban (1952) support these early observations and argue that asafo is an ancient tradition among the Fante. Arhin (1966), however, argues that it can be traced to the rise of armed retainers during the era of the slave trade; Watemberg (in Datta & Porter 1971) traces its origin to the Fante-Asante wars, which started in 1727 when the Dutch helped the Fante organize an army. Despite evidence to the contrary, Arhin presupposes that intertown or interstate wars were alien to the Fante before the advent of the Europeans.

(2.) The asafo contrast with and stand in opposition to the matrilineal groups (abusua) on which inheritance and chieftaincy are based among the Akan as a whole.

(3.) Sometimes, however, marital and social relationships and modern developments such as building a new infrastructure (e.g., public schools, hospitals, banks, government district offices) make it difficult to enforce this exclusivity.