Rastacap
The "rastacap" or "tam" is a tall (sometimes depending on the user's hair length), round, crocheted cap. It is most commonly associated with the pat as a way for Rastafari (Rastas) and others with dreadlocks to tuck their locks away, but may be worn for various reasons (such as religious) by Rastas and non-Rastas. The cap is worn mostly by men. It is sometimes erroneously referred to as a "Tam" (or "tam"), a different kind of hat that was loosely ancestral to the rastacap. Other Caribbean terms for the rastacap include rastafar (sometimes with a silent terminal -r), toppa[h] and simply cap or hat.
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In construction, the rastacap is similar to the tuque, but much larger. Most commonly crocheted, the hat can also be knit, woven, sewn, or constructed in a number of other ways. Examples with sun-cured palm leaves woven into the hat exist; this yields a semi-rigid design which a skilled islander can form rapidly. Rastacaps range in size and shape, as well as uses. People with dreadlocks and non-dreaded people alike wear rastacaps for fashion, convenience, religion, socio-political statement, and a number of other reasons. Some Rastas also wear rastacaps and other forms of headdress as a religious headcovering. It may also be worn by health and food service and heavy machinery workers with long hair, for workplace safety reasons.[1][2]
References
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This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
- Turda and Longley