Smock, A Souvenir From Savannah

A lady wearing dress made with smock

A significant number of tribes in the five regions of the north of Ghana wear smocks for special occasions like festivals and naming ceremonies, weddings etc.

Notable among Gonjas, Dagombas, Mamprusis, Walis, Dagaabas, Anufor(Chokosi), Frafras etc smocks form part of the values that have held them together for over these years.

Quite interestingly, smocks in traditional societies are equally worn to show rank or status among the people.

Chiefs wear bigger smocks(3 in 1) and carefully designed with embroideries with a hat to match the occasion.

Amazingly, warriors wear smocks laden with charms, amulets for protection, while princes wear short sleeve smocks.

They are often given as gifts to dignitaries each time they pay homage to a paramount chief in the these regions.

But what differentiates smocks from the Savannah Region from other regions?

A durbar of chiefs at Busunu

The distinguishing factor is the aesthetic value the people of the Savannah Region give to them.

The visual perception of smocks from are influenced by color, fabric construction, style, garment fit, fashion compatibility, and finish of clothing material which makes them unique.

So the next time you travel to Savannah Region, don't forget to travel to Daboya, the home of quality smocks to catch a glimpse of the process or get one as a souvenir.

A boy weaving smock on a loom

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