Atoghu
Toghu fabric
The Atoghu or Toghu is a royal and traditional garment with colorful patterns of the Grassfields peoples of the North-West region of Cameroon.
It is regularly chosen as traditional clothing of Cameroon during international ceremonies (2012 Summer Olympics in London). It is worn by Blair Underwood to celebrate her Cameroonian origins and is highlighted by stylist Kibonen Nfi.
History:
The Atoghu or Toghu is a colorful patterned garment of the Grassfields people of the North West region of Cameroon. It is a royal fabric worn by men and women, chiefs and notables.
Composition:
Traditionally, it is made of black velvet. On these, patterns and decorations are hand embroidered with thread or bands of yellow, orange, ocher, red, white, etc.
The fabric is used to make large tunics.
On the collar, on the ends of the sleeves and at the bottom of the tunic, we have rectilinear and regular embroidery. On the tunic itself, the embroidery takes the form of patterns in the shape of diamonds, stars and other shapes.
Its appearance is similar to that of a dress with large hands
The use of Toghu has spread beyond the chiefdom and notables. It remains a garment worn during festive circumstances. It is prized by the diaspora as a garment of identity and cultural affirmation.
In its modern version, the toghu is available in several forms following the inspiration of the craftsman and democratization pushes us to replace velvet with lighter fabrics. The wide tunic gives way to stylish, dressy and less heavy outfits.
It is also available in wax versions (printed fabric instead of threads and bands embroidered on velvet), or pattern prints on classic cotton fabrics.
On January 27, 2022, Toghu is celebrated at the residence of former President Akere Muna during the visit to Cameroon by Maybelle Boma, promoter of an association called Toghu Army Movement. The association was launched on September 26, 2021 with the aim of promoting this traditional outfit.
It is regularly chosen as traditional clothing of Cameroon during international ceremonies (2012 Summer Olympics in London). It is worn by Blair Underwood to celebrate her Cameroonian origins and is highlighted by stylist Kibonen Nfi.
History:
The Atoghu or Toghu is a colorful patterned garment of the Grassfields people of the North West region of Cameroon. It is a royal fabric worn by men and women, chiefs and notables.
Composition:
Traditionally, it is made of black velvet. On these, patterns and decorations are hand embroidered with thread or bands of yellow, orange, ocher, red, white, etc.
The fabric is used to make large tunics.
On the collar, on the ends of the sleeves and at the bottom of the tunic, we have rectilinear and regular embroidery. On the tunic itself, the embroidery takes the form of patterns in the shape of diamonds, stars and other shapes.
Its appearance is similar to that of a dress with large hands
The use of Toghu has spread beyond the chiefdom and notables. It remains a garment worn during festive circumstances. It is prized by the diaspora as a garment of identity and cultural affirmation.
In its modern version, the toghu is available in several forms following the inspiration of the craftsman and democratization pushes us to replace velvet with lighter fabrics. The wide tunic gives way to stylish, dressy and less heavy outfits.
It is also available in wax versions (printed fabric instead of threads and bands embroidered on velvet), or pattern prints on classic cotton fabrics.
On January 27, 2022, Toghu is celebrated at the residence of former President Akere Muna during the visit to Cameroon by Maybelle Boma, promoter of an association called Toghu Army Movement. The association was launched on September 26, 2021 with the aim of promoting this traditional outfit.
