Offering an insight into Asafo culture, the flags share a vibrant visual language and feature appliquéd assemblages of small figures, wild animals, pots of palm wine, traps, explosions, and serpent-headed monsters. These elements depict proverbs that boast of the company’s prowess, mock inferiority, and warn opponents of the risks awaiting those who dare to challenge them.
All of the flags in the exhibition seem to communicate with one another, with proverbs bouncing back and forth, soldiers ready for action, animals sparring, and opponents trembling. Seeing them amassed in this way provides a sense of the cacophony of colors and confrontations that run through an Asafo procession.
Although the original role of the Asafo companies was to protect their communities, they continue to proudly demonstrate their prowess during festivals and other celebrations.