Fugu, also known as Batakari or Smock, 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.
The technique is a plain/warp-faced strip weaving on double-heddle narrow looms. Sturdy cotton fabric (sometimes 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.
We source fugu from the Upper West Region of Ghana and have worked with the same trusted weaver since 2018, ensuring continuity and quality.