Jaapi orJapi (Bodo: Khofri) is anAsian conical hat. It is made from tightly wovenbamboo and/or cane andtokou paat (Trachycarpus martianus) a large,palm leaf. The wordjaapi derives fromjaap meaning a bundle oftokou leaves. In the past, plain jaapis were used by ordinary people in Assam and by farmers for protection from the sun, while ornate decorative jaapis were worn as a status symbol by the royalty and nobility. Decorativesorudoi jaapi are made with intricate cloth designs (primarily red, white, green, blue, and black) that are integrated into the weaving.
The medievalSutiya kings used the jaapi as a cultural symbol. The last Sutiya king gifted gold and silver embroidered Jaapis (Kup-ngiun-kham) to the Ahom kingSuhungmung (1497–1539) as presents in his attempts for a treaty in the year 1523.[4][5] After annexingSadiya in 1524, the Ahom king received a lot of treasure and bounty, which included Jaapis.[6] In the year 1525, the Ahom king gifted some of the silver Jaapis obtained from the Sutiya king and other items, to negotiate peace with theMongkawng chief Phukloimung, aShan state in presentKachin State ofUpper Myanmar (called Nora inBuranjis) who had attacked Sadiya.[7] During the Ahom rule,Jaapi-hajiya Khel (guild for making Jaapis) was monopolised by Sutiyas, which indicate that they were experts in weaving Jaapis.[8] Apart from this, theBaro-Bhuyans of Central Assam are also said to have used Jaapis. As per theSatsari Buranji, the Ahom kings adopted theTongali,Hasoti andTokou-patia Japi from the Baro-Bhuyans.[9]
Arice farmer in northernCambodia wearing ado'un similar to Jaapi
Upper metal part of an ancient Varun (Tupi) Japi known asSula used during the rule of Sutiya kings kept in the Gharmora Satra.
Today the jaapi is an important symbol of Assam and its culture. It is used duringBihu dance, as protection against the elements, offered as a sign of respect in ceremonies, and placed as a decorative item around the house especially in the walls as a welcome sign.[10][11]
^"Population by Religious Communities".Census India – 2001. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Retrieved1 July 2019.Census Data Finder/C Series/Population by Religious Communities
^"The Sutiyas were engaged in all kind of technical jobs of the Ahom kingdom. For example, the Khanikar Khel (guild of engineers) was always manneed by the Sutiyas. The Jaapi-Hajiya Khel (guild for making Jaapis) was also monopolished by them."(Dutta 1985:30)
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