Indigenous Fabric Weaving Tradition in Northern Ghana: A Case Study of Fugu Weaving Processes, Fugu Fabric and its End Uses

Abstract

The northern regions of Ghana have a tradition of cloth weaving that is based on peculiar tools, equipment and procedures that generate different types of fabrics with similar uses across the communities. This paper describes the various ways in which the different indigenous fabrics that are woven in Daboya, Sambolgo and Tindamba. The study discusses the indigenous fabric weaving traditions of Northern Ghana concerning the processes or procedures involved in the production of fugu fabrics and the importance of the fugu fabrics. Interview and observation were used in collecting the data at selected weaving centres in Daboya (Savannah Region), Sambolgo (Upper East Region) and Tindamba (Upper West Region) in Northern part of Ghana.

The study employed both descriptive and case study research methods based on the qualitative research approach. The study revealed that Daboya, Sambolgo and Tindamba fugu fabrics are significant indigenous woven fabrics produced in Northern Ghana and they occupy very important cultural positions in the Ghanaian community. Compared to other African fabrics, Northern Ghana fugu fabrics are the pride of the nation and they are also considered as national symbols.

Keywords: Fugu, fabric, loom, indigenous, weaving, kente

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/14-1-07

Publication date: March 31^st 2024