Le Batakari
Batakari, also known as Batakarinyan or Matakari, is a traditional weaving technique from northeast Ghana. This woven fabric with very graphic stripes is a symbol of tradition and strength. Historically worn by kings in the north of the country, it became popular in West Africa in the 1950s and accompanies its wearers in the greatest moments of their lives. Batakari is usually worn in the form of a blouse, hence its other name of smock fabric.
The word batakari means "to round the corners of a fabric". This is indeed one of the main characteristics of this textile: it creates very neat finishes when combined, by folding or sewing, with other pieces of fabric.
The word batakari means "to round the corners of a fabric". This is indeed one of the main characteristics of this textile: it creates very neat finishes when combined, by folding or sewing, with other pieces of fabric.