Fante Frankaa or Asafo Military Flag

Lilac cloth, a crowded corner flag and an animal drama about to unfold

This frankaa OR ASAFO military FLAG is Fante, from Ghana, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is cotton. Many flags are made of cotton in appliqué, and some carry the British Union Jack in the upper corners, which collectors generally use as a clue to the era of making. A banner pieced from lilac cloth with a patchwork border of yellow, purple, black and pink blocks. A flag square sits at one corner. Appliqued figures include a standing brown human and two creatures, one on a small anvil shape. It is 58 inches wide and 39 long.

A tiny cast acting out its scene in felt and thread.