The Boundaries Between the Verbal and the Visual
Posiban Shrine, Fante people
in Elmina, Ghana, concrete,
Wikimedia Commons
in Elmina, Ghana, concrete,
Wikimedia Commons
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Posiban shrines were originally the local headquarters of traditional military
groups called Asafo companies. The
shrine building was originally a storehouse for weapons and regalia. These shrines are made of concrete and
inhabit the urban areas of Fante settlements.
These companies were traditional responsible for the protection of a village,
the military aspect has lost some importance over the years, they are more
known for their ceremonial influences now, with more interest in art and
politics. The shrines are often built to
signify the importance of each Asafo company the most important ones in each area
may have the most elaborate shrines. The shrines vary from company to company
and use concrete life sized sculptures of people (even white and Europeans),
animals, ships, and religious figures to represent their company. The Asafo
companies are all numbered, with the number 1 often being the most important in
each location, and often connected to the chieftaincy.
The art, though African, draws on western themes, and looks somewhat out of place in “traditional” Africa. The Posiban shrines are excellent examples of breaking the boundary between the verbal and the visual. Each of the life-size carvings represents either a religious theme or a way to have power over your enemies. These shrines often use visual representations of powerful proverbs to establish power and intimidation over other companies.
The art, though African, draws on western themes, and looks somewhat out of place in “traditional” Africa. The Posiban shrines are excellent examples of breaking the boundary between the verbal and the visual. Each of the life-size carvings represents either a religious theme or a way to have power over your enemies. These shrines often use visual representations of powerful proverbs to establish power and intimidation over other companies.
Linguist Staff Finial (Oykeame), Akan
people of Ghana, c. 1900,
wood with gold leaf, Icons,
p. 109
Magnificent gold-covered staffs, like this one, are carried by high-ranking officials within the courts of Akan chiefs. Akan peoples place an enormous emphasis on speech, however the king, Asantehene, does not speak directly to the people. The linguist is used to communicate for the king. The king may have several linguists, however there is always one chief linguist dedicated. The linguist staff is used by the king's linguist. More than a translator, he is also an adviser, judicial advocate, prime minister,
political trouble shooter, and historian of state law, lore, and custom -- of course chosen for his sagacity, wit, and oratorical skill.[1]
In this linguist staff finial, the leopard attacks the hunter, who has lost his weapon to the leopard. An English translation of the associated proverb is "It is better not to have fired at all than to fire and only wound the leopard."[2]
people of Ghana, c. 1900,
wood with gold leaf, Icons,
p. 109
Magnificent gold-covered staffs, like this one, are carried by high-ranking officials within the courts of Akan chiefs. Akan peoples place an enormous emphasis on speech, however the king, Asantehene, does not speak directly to the people. The linguist is used to communicate for the king. The king may have several linguists, however there is always one chief linguist dedicated. The linguist staff is used by the king's linguist. More than a translator, he is also an adviser, judicial advocate, prime minister,
political trouble shooter, and historian of state law, lore, and custom -- of course chosen for his sagacity, wit, and oratorical skill.[1]
In this linguist staff finial, the leopard attacks the hunter, who has lost his weapon to the leopard. An English translation of the associated proverb is "It is better not to have fired at all than to fire and only wound the leopard."[2]
Asafo Flag, No. 2 Company; created by Akwa Osei; Ghana, Fante people; c. 1900, cotton and rayon, embroidery and appliqué, Wikimedia Commons
The Asafo companies of the Fante people use flags to communicate their power and utilize the flags to rival other local companies. Each company owns certain exclusive colors, motifs, musical instruments, and other insignia, with any violation of such prerogatives by another company being considered an act of aggression.[3] These aggressive acts are retaliated by acts of art, not acts of war. The companies hold rallies and festivals to demonstrate their power.
See how the Asafo flags are used by the Asante companies on YouTube.
The Asafo companies of the Fante people use flags to communicate their power and utilize the flags to rival other local companies. Each company owns certain exclusive colors, motifs, musical instruments, and other insignia, with any violation of such prerogatives by another company being considered an act of aggression.[3] These aggressive acts are retaliated by acts of art, not acts of war. The companies hold rallies and festivals to demonstrate their power.
See how the Asafo flags are used by the Asante companies on YouTube.
__[1] Monica Visona, Survey of the History of African Art. 2nd ed (New York: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008) p. 202.
[2]Herbert M. Cole, Icons (Washington D.C.: The Smithsonian Institution Press, 1989) p. 109.
[3] Monica Visona, Survey of the History of African Art. 2nd ed (New York: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008) p. 222.
[2]Herbert M. Cole, Icons (Washington D.C.: The Smithsonian Institution Press, 1989) p. 109.
[3] Monica Visona, Survey of the History of African Art. 2nd ed (New York: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008) p. 222.