Surely, Many people put on their smock, “fugu”, regalia. It is important to know how to wear the Smock Hat so you don’t put yourself in trouble or be perceived as arrogant.

Symbolism is paramount to the Northerners. How people wear their hats communicates a message about them. When they fold it to the left, right, straight, backward, or in front; Here is what it means:

1. FOLDED TO THE LEFT: When a person folds the top of his hat to the left side of his hat, it means humility. he is saying he is a humble person and he doesn’t want trouble. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are weak, poor or incapable. They are simply saying “I don’t want trouble”.

2. FOLDED TO THE RIGHT: This means he could be a rich man or an influential person in the community. A person may fold his hat this way but will immediately turn it to the left when he is approaching a gathering of people much higher than him. Leaving it that way in front of the chief of your town can amount to contempt. You could be fined a ram 🐏

3. FOLDED BACKWARDS: Folding a hat behind implies that the person expects that he will be a leader and have a large following one day.

4. FOLDED TO THE FRONT: When someone folds the top of his hat in front, he is simply telling people that he has no co-equal in the town or that gathering. This style is mostly worn by rich people, chiefs, and spiritually fortified people.

5. UPRIGHT HAT: When the apex of the hat is upright it means he is very powerful and nobody is higher than him in the community or the gathering he finds himself in. Normally chiefs or highly spiritually fortified persons are found wearing hats in this particular style.

Source:  Fuseini Lamin