Opening Program: Art, Honor, And Ridicule: Asafo Flags

The Fowler welcomes you to the celebratory opening of Art, Honor, and Ridicule: Fante Asafo Flags from Southern Ghana. Join us to hear from exhibition co-curator Silvia Forni, Shirley and Ralph Shapiro Director of the Fowler.

Forni will discuss the Fowler’s collection of asafo flags from Ghana—one of the most extensive in the world. Following the lecture, enjoy an evening reception with food, drinks, and music on the Fowler’s terrace.

About the exhibition: Colorful and conceptually layered, asafo flags are insignia for the historical and still thriving military companies of Fante states in southern Ghana. They are created by various workshops active in the region to this day and are paraded by the companies to celebrate their strength and preserve the memory of their role as community defendants. Most works in the exhibition were produced in the 20th century by documented artists, but the tradition dates to at least the 17th century. Accompanied by videos and photographs taken over the past five decades, the flags on view speak to the cultural, political, and social facets of these stunning textiles and their role in contemporary Fante life.