Traditional Assamese Handmade Jaapi is one of the most popular product of Assam. This Jaapi is the symbol of Assamese Culture. Specially without a Jaapi any Bihu function is incomplete in Assam. This Jaapi mainly use in the time of Bihu Dance of Assam as well as to felicitate some special guest. This jaapi is also used for home decoration. Specially in wall decoration . It gives a different look to the wall.
Jaapi is a traditional symbol of Assamese folk culture. In the earlier days when umbrellas were unheard of, farmers used Jaapi protect them for the sun and rain. And traditionally it is maintaining till date. Now a days this Jaapi become one of the most prestigious cultural symbol of the people of Assam .
Japi making is an indigenous cottage industry of Assam. They are made of bamboo/cane and palm leaves (tokou). As the materials required to make Japi are easily available, the craft of Japi making is quite popular in the rural areas. There are various types of Japi such as Bor Japi, Tupi Japi, Uka Japi or Haluwa Japi, Sorudaya Japi or Fulam Japi, etc. Owing to its huge demand in the market, Fulam Japi is made in large numbers by the skilled Japi makers.
In the past, people from high ranks of the society used to wear the Bor Japi during festivals and important occasions. Its usage has been prevalent from the days of Ahom rule. While Ahom officials holding the title of Buragohain, Borgohain, Borpatrogohain, etc., wore Japis ornamented with gold on the top, Borphukan wore Japi ornamented with silver.
Uka Japi was used by farmers and workers as a protective headgear against sun and rain. It is also known as Haluwa Japi or Gorokhiya Japi. However, the popularity of this particular Japi has dwindled in the recent times.
Thus this Jaapi taking a prestigious space in Assam . In each and every Assamese household keep one japi in their guest room to decorate their indoor wall space.
Apart from the cultural uses of this Jaapi , Now a days most of the people use this type of Jaapi to decorate their beautiful wall space.
