Ghana Africa Fugu Batakari Men's Smock Attire with hat

Many people in West Africa wear tunics made of course cotton strips woven by men, called Batakaly in Ghana or Batakari, mainly in Nigeria. Historically, the Batakari was/are worn by warriors, hunters and farmers(blue-collar) and leaders including royalty(white-collar). This Batakari featured on Ebay is of the white-collar variety.  Traditionally, regal Batakari are worn at mourning festivities, initiation rites, baby outdoorings and other ceremonies in Africa. In Ghana, the Batakari  or smock is the pride of Northern Ghana.  It is hand woven with locally grown cotton yarn, hand dyed using vegetable or plant dye. Osagyefor Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first President wore a Batakari on Independence Day in 1957. Ghana's President J.J. Rawlings wore one during President  Clinton's visit to Ghana. The present President of Ghana, Dr. Atta Mills, wore a batakaly at the airport in Accra, while welcoming US President Obama and his family as they landed on July 10th, this year.  NORMALLY, ONE SIZE FITS ALL. The Batakari is woven from HANDSPUN threads of coarse cotton(thick version) and usually fashioned into loose pullovers. This one I am selling is such, as a 3-piece attire consisting of the following: (a) smock (b) trousers (c) and cap. The Batakari is made of of handloomed strips of fabric, approximately 4 inches in width, sewn together, either by machine or hand-stitched. Here in America, the Batakari is usually called a "fugu". My loose fitting, three-quarter length, embroided inner smock's measurements are:

• The Batakari inner smock is 37.5 inches long
• Neckline opening is 5.75 inches adjustable upwards, it's slitted
• Chest width across the front is 27.5 inches
• Sleeve length is 11.5 inches
• Two pockets are on the front of the Batakari top

The trousers are secured secured at the waist by a drawstring. They are loose-fitting with extra fullness in the thighs. The sideseam pockets were added here in the US.:

• Trouser's length is 39.5 inches
• Waistline(tie-up) adjustable up to 50 inches plus
• Two side-seam pockets added in Chicago

The hat has been increased in size/fit because Americans usually have bigger hat sizes than West Africans. So 5 1/4th or 5 3/8ths or 5 1/2 hat size is no problem. Due to an added black stretch band at the base of this FLOP hat. Meaning, the hat lays over to the side normally when worn.

Finally, this Batakari's colors are off-white embroidered symbols, gold/dark blue/light blue stripes.

If you are between the height of 5 feet 7 inches up to 6 feet tall and weigh between 175 pounds up to 210 pounds, this attire should fit you very well and flowing. All you need then is to go buy a pair of sandals to wear with it.

By the way, the outfit I am showing, excuse my poor beginner photography, it will get better, is much better looking in hand. Your friends and neighbors will know you are international gentleman of leisure or global-minded and not just everyday. Thanks for stopping by. 

Meefiga International

(1-773-663-6718 to leave voicemail, US callers only, otherwise email if international, afr_amer_jetsetter@yahoo.com)

PS: Free shipping in the US only. Remember, there is no zipper in the crotch, I only added pockets, this is a traditional item slightly updated.