{{Short description|Woven rectangular textile of Assam, India}} [[Image:gamosa.jpg|thumb|350px|A Gamusa made from Pat silk with intricate designs.]]
The '''Gamosa of Assam''' is an article originating in eastern Assam. 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.
A 1,455.3 meter long Gamusa displayed in Delhi created world record as it became the world's longest hand woven piece of cloth.<ref>{{cite news|title=Assamese Gamusa makes it to the Guinness Book of World Records|url=http://thenortheasttoday.com/assamese-gamusa-made-it-to-the-guinness-book-of-world-records/|access-date=31 August 2016|author=Assam Portal|agency=the northeast today|archive-date=19 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819130051/http://thenortheasttoday.com/assamese-gamusa-made-it-to-the-guinness-book-of-world-records/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Origin of the name== Literally translated, it means 'something to wipe the body with' (''Ga''=body, ''musa''=to wipe) however, interpreting the word ''gamosa'' as the towel is misleading.<ref name="assaminfo">{{cite web | url=http://www.assaminfo.com/culture/1/gamocha.htm | title=Gamocha | publisher=assaminfo.com | access-date=April 3, 2013}}</ref> The gamusa originates from the Deori people.
[[File:People in Majuli.jpg|thumb|A Deori women weaving Gamusa in Majuli]]
There is an old saying in Assamese which links the Gamusa to Sadiya. {{quote| “Gat loi furaley batahe falibo.<br/> Muthit loi furahe bhal. <br/> Eage bachilo seuti maloti <br/> Eage bachilo phul. <br/> Eage bachilo baghe bhaloke. <br/> Bate manuh dhori khai. <br/> Eage bachilo sorai halodhiya <br/> Uri Sadiyaloi jai.” <br/>}}
==Usage== [[Image:Bihu dancer with a horn.jpg|thumb|Bihu dancer wearing a Gamosa around the head]] Though it is used as a turban or scarf, the use is not restricted to this. *It is used to cover the altar at the prayer hall or cover the scriptures. An object of reverence is 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 dancer wraps 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 ''gamusa'' and ''tamul'' (betel nut) and elders are offered gamusas (referred to as ''bihuwaan'' in this case) during Bihu.<ref name="assaminfo"/> *It may be used as a towel to wipe the body after a bath (an act of purification).
One can therefore, very well say, that the ''gamusa'' symbolizes the indigenous life and culture of Assam.
==Cultural significance== Significantly the ''gamusa'' is used equally by all irrespective of religious and ethnic backgrounds.
At par with ''gamusa'', there are beautifully woven symbolic clothes with attractive graphic designs being used by different cultural sub-systems and ethno-cultural groups as well. thumb|A Gamusa border with a traditional handwoven motif called ''goxa''
There were various other symbolic elements and designs traditionally in use, which are now only found in literature, art, sculpture, architecture, etc. or used for only religious purposes (in particular occasions only). The typical designs of Assamese-lion, dragon, flying-lion, etc. were used for symbolizing various purposes and occasions.
On December 13 of 2022, Gamosa of Assam received the Geographical Indication tag.<ref name="gi">{{cite web | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/assamese-gamocha-gets-gi-tag-state-jubilation-8324209/ | title=Assamese 'Gamocha' gets GI tag; state in jubilation | publisher=indianexpress | date=14 December 2022 | accessdate=15 December 2022 | author=PTI}}</ref><ref name="gi২">{{cite web | url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/assamese-gamocha-gets-geographical-indication-tag-627931 | title=Assamese Gamocha gets Geographical Indication Tag | publisher=Sentinel Assam | date=15 December 2022 | accessdate=15 December 2022 | author=Sentinel Digital Desk}}</ref> thumb|Gamosas hanging on a tree thumb|A woman seen traditionally weaving a Gamosa [[File:Jaapi with Gamosa.jpg|thumb|Jaapi with Gamosa]]
==See also== *Jaapi *Mekhela chador *Textiles and dresses of Assam *Xorai *Namghar
==Notes and references== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}}
{{Clothing in South Asia}}
Category:Culture of Assam Category:Textiles and clothing of Assam Category:Scarves Category:Indian clothing Category:Culture of India Category:Geographical indications in Assam Category:Geographical indications in India Category:Festivals in Assam