This Fugu Shawl is a versatile, handwoven textile originating in northern Ghana. Each piece is crafted on narrow strip looms and stitched together by hand, producing a fabric celebrated for its durability, texture, and distinctive striped patterns. Handmade. 100% cotton.

Fabric Details
Approximate dimensions:
Height: 75 inches
Width: 23 inches

Due to the handmade nature of this fabric, slight variations in pattern, a faint organic scent, minor dust presence, or small spacing irregularities within the weave may naturally occur. Colours may vary slightly depending on lighting conditions.

Process
Threads are spun before being woven on traditional narrow strip looms, a craft passed down through generations of weavers in northern Ghana. The strips are then carefully stitched together by hand into a single cloth. Fugu’s hallmark lies in its woven-in patterns — unlike printed or painted textiles, the designs are built directly into the fabric through the weaving process itself, giving each piece its characteristic texture and depth.

Uses
Wear: Draped as a shawl, wrapped as a scarf, tied as a headwrap, and more.
Decoration: Wall hangings, couch throws, bed runners, and beyond.
Table and Home: Table runners, console table covers, and more.
Gifting: A meaningful, culturally rich gift rooted in generations of northern Ghanaian craft and tradition.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Wash at 30° / hand wash, iron on low heat.

Origin & history: Fugu (also called batakari for the sewn smock garment) refers to strip-woven cloth from Northern Ghana (notably among Dagomba, Mamprusi, Gonja, and other groups). Traditions recount influence from the Mossi/Moshie of Ouagadougou. Historically, smocks carried social and protective associations and, in some accounts, were worn in warfare or ritual contexts.

Technique & look: plain/warp-faced strip weaving on double-heddle narrow looms; sturdy cotton (sometimes with indigo) produces hard-wearing strips that are stitched and later tailored into the iconic smock silhouette. Patterns range from minimalist stripe layouts to richly banded indigo/undyed schemes. 

How we source: we source fugu from the Upper West Region of Ghana and have worked with the same trusted weaver since 2018, ensuring continuity and quality.

All our fabrics are treated to resist dye and stay true to their colours for years. 

Shipping: orders that are not tagged as ‘pre-order’ will be shipped within 12 working days of purchase and typically arrive within 2–5 working days after shipping. Pre-orders will be shipped within 12 weeks of the order date.

Customs fees may apply depending on location.

Returns: orders can be returned within 3 days of reception. Check our full Return policy here.

Threaded Tribes is plastic free and committed to a full re-use of scraps.

This outfit was hand crafted in our Accra workshop using local fabrics with careful water usage and waste management.