Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Fanti Asafo Flag Designs, as Inspiration for Textile Design

Abstract

The Fanti Asafo flag images and iconography which has been adapted and used as Asafo flags for Asafo activities have been passed down over countless generations. These images serve as symbols which generate and communicate ideas, perceptions and beliefs, they are rooted in symbolism, religious practices, social taboos and totems. These symbols are visual observable fact but carry a great deal of verbal and non-verbal connotations. These images are a direct commentary on society, highlighting on all facet of human survival. The visual recognition and the message it sends is understood by its users, it is popular amongst the Fanti people of the coastal region of Ghana. They are used as motifs in the production and designing of the Asafo flag with symbolic colour for performances. This paper seeks to use the images and iconography in the Fanti Asafo flags as inspiration for textile design. The research method employed was qualitative, specifically the descriptive approach and artistic research design. The population for the study comprised the coastal dwellers from the coastal settlement across the central region of Ghana. The scope stretches from Senya Breku, Winneba, Saltpond and Cape coast. Interviews and observations were adopted for data collection. Findings revealed that images and the colour in the flags produced intricate and interesting designs that can fits perfectly into the ethnic category of textile design concepts. The usage of the images resulted in unique unconventional textile designs which can be adopted for contemporary usage in furnishing and home décor