Vintage Nepalese children’s hat in a traditional Magar tribal style, especially worn in the Athara Magarant regions of mid-western Nepal.
This style of hat is known as ‘jhumke topi’ (‘tasseled cap’) or with the local name ‘chemana’. It is handsewn by one of the women from the maternal line of the child, most often the grandmother or an aunt, and given to the child on the day of his rice-ceremony; the ceremony in which the child is presented with his first spoons of rice (somewhere between 3-7 months old). The hats are worn by children all through their infant and toddler years.
The handsewn velvety base of the hat is adorned with various intricate and colorful patterns, embroidered on it with stitch-wool. All around the trim metal embellishments are attached, in one or multiple layers. Sometimes these consist of small pieces of simple thin metal platework, others (such as this one here on the pictures) use coins, turned into pendants by local craftsmen. Every part of the hat serves a symbolic purpose; the coins and (in this case) cowrie shells are meant to attract prosperity and good luck into the child's life, the colorful embroidering and tassels are connected to the colors of the elements and protect the child's health and lifeforce by keeping evil spirits and heavy energies at a distance.
Next to the symbolic aspects, the jhumke topi also serves a very practical purpose. It is sewn from a double layer of fabric; a velvety one on the outside and a cotton lining. This choice of fabric makes it comfortable to wear year-round; it keeps the child’s head warm in the winter and cool during summer.
This hat is sewn somewhere in the mid-late 1980's. The (Indian) coins around the trim are alle dated between 1960-1981. Size of the head-circumference is approximately 42 centimeters.
Being from vintage origin and of course an item that has been actively worn for some years, this hat of course shows the signs of its age and usage. But still an amazing piece to admire. And of course, being all handmade, an absolutely unique item.
