Flag-making pattern - ROM2016_14992_2

ROM2016_14992_2

Flag-making pattern

Maker: Unidentified Artist, Denkyira or Swedru Workshop
Medium:Paper
Geography: Ghana
Date: date unknown
Dimensions:
29.5 × 43 cm
Object number: 2012.65.56
Credit Line: Federico Carmignani Asafo Collection; this acquisition was made possible with the generous support of the Louise Hawley Stone Charitable Trust
Not on view
Description

In the 1920s, paper patterns for the asafo flags were developed in the Saltpond and Kormantse workshops to provide models for a variety of human poses and a wide assortment of animals.

 

Tailors and workshops use paper patterns to trace and cut the figures, before sewing them onto the typically solid colour background of the flag. Patterns are property of the workshop and may be used by different artists. Patterns are usually created individually and identify a workshop’s style. Sometimes the tailors create a pattern by tracing over an old flag that is brought to the workshop to be replicated.

Collection:
Global Africa
Bibliography:
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