Multicolour Assamese Handmade Gamosa

The Gamosa of Assam or Gamusa of Assam is an article of significance for the indigenous people of Assam, India. It is generally a white rectangular piece of cloth with primarily a red border on three sides and red woven motifs on the fourth (in addition to red, other colors are also used). Although cotton yarn is the most common material for making/weaving gamosas, there are special occasion ones made from Pat silk.

• It is used to cover the altar at the prayer hall or cover the scriptures. An object of reverenceis never placed on the bare ground, but always on a gamusa.
• It is used by the farmer, fishermen or hunter as a waistcloth (tongali) or a loincloth (suriya).
• A Bihu dancerwraps it around the head with a fluffy knot (see picture).
• It is hung around the neck at the prayer hall (naamghar) and was thrown over the shoulder in the past to signify social status.
• Guests are welcomed with the offering of a gamusaand tamul(betel nut) and elders are offered gamusas (referred to as bihuwaan in this case) during Bihu.
• It may be used as a towel to wipe the body after a bath (an act of purification).