Jaapi
Encyclopedia
Jaapi is a traditional Assamese headgear or hat of Assam
, India
.
a kind round & big palm leaf, generally taku paats are used for shelter roofing and jaapi). The name, jaapi comes after the word jaap, bundle of taku leaves. Once upon a time, jaapis were very important for Assamese folk, while decorative jaapis were worn by people of high station (royal & high class family peoples). Decorative sorudaya jaapis are made with intricate designs made out of cloth (primarily red, white, green, blue and black) that is integrated with the weaving of the jaapi. There is also a typical red border around the edges. It has been in use since the days when the great Chinese traveler, Hiuen Sang came to Assam. Visitors were welcomed with japi, decorated with colourful designs and motifs.
Assam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.
About Jaapi
Typical regular use Jaapi is made out of tightly woven bamboo and/or cane and taku paat (Trachycarpus martianusTrachycarpus martianus
Trachycarpus martianus is a species in the genus Trachycarpus from two distinct populations, one at 5,000 feet in the Khasia Hills, Meghalaya Province, in northeast India, the other at 8,000 feet in central northern Nepal. There may be well be other populations...
a kind round & big palm leaf, generally taku paats are used for shelter roofing and jaapi). The name, jaapi comes after the word jaap, bundle of taku leaves. Once upon a time, jaapis were very important for Assamese folk, while decorative jaapis were worn by people of high station (royal & high class family peoples). Decorative sorudaya jaapis are made with intricate designs made out of cloth (primarily red, white, green, blue and black) that is integrated with the weaving of the jaapi. There is also a typical red border around the edges. It has been in use since the days when the great Chinese traveler, Hiuen Sang came to Assam. Visitors were welcomed with japi, decorated with colourful designs and motifs.
Usage
- Worn on the head as a protection against the elements (sun and rain)
- Offered as a sign of respect in felicitation ceremonies
- Placed as decorative items in and around the house (especially near the front door as a welcome sign)
- There is a style of Bihu danceBihu danceThe Bihu dance is a folk dance from the Indian state of Assam related to the festival of Bihu. This joyous dance is performed by both young men and women, and is characterized by brisk dance steps,and rapid hand movement...
with Jaapi. - A symbol representing AssamAssamAssam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
Types of Japi
- Sorudaya Japi
- Bordaya Japi
- Haluwa Japi & Garakhiya Japi
- Pitha Japi
- Tupi Japi
See also
- AssamAssamAssam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
- Conical Asian hat
- Culture of AssamCulture of AssamThe culture of Assam is traditionally a hybrid one, developed due to cultural assimilation of different ethno-cultural groups under various politico-economic systems in different periods of pre-history and history....
- HatHatA hat is a head covering. It can be worn for protection against the elements, for ceremonial or religious reasons, for safety, or as a fashion accessory. In the past, hats were an indicator of social status...
- HeadgearHeadgearHeadgear, headwear or headdress is the name given to any element of clothing which is worn on one's head.Headgear serve a variety of purposes:...
- List of hats and headgear
- Textiles and dresses of AssamTextiles and dresses of AssamThere is a wide variety of clothing and textiles involved with Assamese culture. An enumeration of the significant items as well as terms used to refer to them is shown below.*Cotton*Dhoti*Endi*Eri*Gamosa*Jaapi*Khadi*Mekhela chador*Muga silk*Pat silk...
- TrachycarpusTrachycarpusTrachycarpus is a genus of ten species of palms native to Asia, from the Himalaya east to eastern China. They are fan palms , with the leaves with a bare petiole terminating in a rounded fan of numerous leaflets. The leaf bases produce persistent fibers that often give the trunk a characteristic...