1. Textiles of Ghana

2. Where is Ghana?

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

5. More Kente Patterns

7. Adinkra Cloth • Created by Asante people • Symbols have spiritual meanings

9. Represents egocentrism

10. 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.

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

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

13. Queen Mother’s Stool:represents power

14. How Adinkra is made

15. The Cloth in Action • http://www.customflix.com/Store/ShowTtl.jsp?id=204781

16. 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

17. Posuban shrines (Military headquarters) display Asafo flags

19. What’s 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, Ghana’s flag is used.

21. Some Examples & Meanings • "He can fly and penetrate the earth; he can go wherever he wants to go."

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

23. The game of Checkers is a metaphor for war.

24. 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.

25. “When even our women have been prepared for war, what are our men capable of?”

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

27. “No head weighs as much like the one on the scales: the losses on your own side always weigh the heaviest.”

28. “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)”.

29. More information • http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/smithsonian/issues01/aug01/ghana_flags.html

30. Your assignment:Make 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.

31. 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.