Japi is a headgear worn by the workers in farms, tea gardens and other similar open-air environment in
Assam. It serves as an umbrella. Also called as ‘chatta,’ its use is restricted to the working class. In the olden days, it was worn by the female members of rich and noble families.
A wide variety of japis are made in various regions of Assam namely ‘halua japi,’ ‘pitha japi,’ ‘sorudoiya japi,’ ‘bordoiya japi’ and ‘cap japi.’ A special variety called ‘falum japi,’ made in the Kamrup District, is famous for its beauty. It is used mostly as a decorative item in a room.
A Japi is made using bamboo strips and dry palm leaves called ‘tokow-pat.’ The bamboo strips are woven into a circular disc shaped structure containing a dome in its center. Two such disks are sewn together with strands of cane along with some dry leaves placed in between them. This headgear is worn by fitting the dome on the head.
