Smocks: Batakari/Fugu/Dashiki

Ghanaian smock is a plaid shirt that is similar to the “dashiki”, worn by men in Ghana. There are also female versions of it. The smock is also called a “fugu” or a “batakari” in the northern region, “dansika” in Frafra, “futik” in Kusaal both in the upper east region.These are traditional wears of northern Ghana but now a national wear in Ghana and worldwide.

It can be worn by anyone irrespective of their gender or age category. The Smocks are made of fabrics of pure cotton and traditionally were worn by chiefs and king makers of Northern Ghana. Smocks were also worn during festivals and for War Dancing. Smock was worn by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana and Pan Africanist together with his comrades to declare the independence of Ghana on the 6th March, 1957 and on major occasions. On many occasions, it is worn by President John Dramani Mahama and other public officials.

Modernity has altered the designs and uses of the smock cloth. The smock fabrics are now used to make bed spread, table tops, curtains, handkerchiefs, bags, purse etc. Smocks are unique in terms of the textures of its fabrics and color pattern.

The combinations of colors use to be very selective but now they come in different style and color depending on the taste, age and the sex of the customer.

Reference: http://www.adincraft.com/smock.html

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