ASAFO Flags of the Fante

With a (one) partner, create a fabric flag in the style of the flags created by the Fante People of Ghana. Depict one of the following proverbs in a visual form that is easy to read and understand. Although the flags are seemingly simplistic in design to Western viewers,  artists used design elements to create strong compositions that are aesthetically pleasing. Use the following design concepts in your flag that were used by the African flagmakers:

·       A nonrepresentational border

·       Simple, abstract forms are used to depict recognizable subjects.

·       Man and/or animals are represented in each flag.

·       A simple background color is used to allow the bold positive shapes to stand out from the surface.

·       Between four and fifteen colors are used on each flag

·       Colors are repeated to create unity in the design. A dynamic range of values.

“If you set a trap maliciously, you might end up getting trapped yourself.”

“The monkey leaps only as far as it can reach.”

‘Fish grow fat for the benefit of the crocodile.” (who rule the river)

‘It is a foolish mouse which steals from the bag of the cat.’

‘The monkey leaps only as far as it can reach.’ - look before you leap.

“No one can defeat us except God.”

“A good spirit always looks after her young.”

“Our enemies are like fish caught in a dragnet” (easily captured)

“We come in peace but are always prepared for war.”

“We can carry water in a basket using a cactus as a cushion.”

“When the eagle flies, it flies with its children.” (there is strength in numbers)

“It is a foolish mouse that steals from the bag of the cat.”

“Only a brave man will go under a big tree.” (venture into the unknown)

“Like the vine, we can conquer any problem.”

“If a child wants to pick a ripe pepper, let him do it. When it gets in his eyes, her will stop by himself.”

“When there are no trees left, birds will perch on men’s heads.” (look for reasons behind the strange behavior of others)