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Beyond the Hat: The Cultural Significance of Jaapi in Assam
Jaapi, the hat like head gear, keeps significant importance in Assamese culture and society. Jaapi is one of those few names which any person from Assam think of when it comes to Assamese culture. Over the course of time Jaapi has found its own way from paddy fields to the aristocratic drawing rooms. “Don’t ever forget Jaapi, stick, and towel, or you will be in danger (dead)!” – An age-old saying in Assam highlights the importance of Jaapi in daily life. Historically, Jaapi served as protective headgear for farmers and cowherds, shielding them from Assam’s heavy monsoons and harsh sun. Its large, woven structure made...