Welcome
Our journey began with a passion for preserving the art of weaving and showcasing the beautiful craftsmanship of Ghanaian artisans.
OUR STORY
At Jephan Clothing, we bring you the finest woven pieces from Northern Ghana. Each piece carries with it a rich cultural heritage and a story of skill and creativity.
ORIGIN
The smock woven cloth, commonly called smock or fugu, is the most distinctive
traditional attire from Northern Ghana. Its origins are traced to the 1600s,
introduced during the reign of Yaa Naa Zanjina.
Northern tradition holds that the art of smock weaving was brought by the
Moshie people from Ouagadougou (present day Burkina Faso), who traded woven
strips for local goods such as kola nuts, millet, and guinea fowl.
The craft spread among various ethnic groups in Northern Ghana, including the
Dagomba, Mamprusi, Kokomba, Lobi, Gonja, and others, but no single group
claims exclusive ownership of its origin.
Production and
cultural significance
Smocks are made from hand loomed cotton strips, sewn together to create a thick, plaid patterned fabric. Traditionally, women wove the strips, while men tailored the smocks.
The cloth is known by many names: Fugu (Mossi), Batakari (Asante), Dansika (Frafra), and others, reflecting its widespread adoption. Originally, smocks were royal attire worn by chiefs and kings, especially during important ceremonies. Over time, they became common among both royals and civilians.
The smock is a symbol of identity, power, and unity in northern Ghana, and it played a notable role in Ghana’s history-for example, it was worn by Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana, and others during the declaration of independence in 1957.
Weaving centers and Evolution
Major weaving centers include Bolgatanga, Daboya, Tamale, Gushegu, Kpatinga,Yendi, Bawku, and Navrongo.The design and use of the smock have evolved, now serving both casual and official purposes and gaining popularity across Ghana and internationally.