My object is called a Topi [tu-pe]. The object is basically a prayer hat. My Topi is from Bangladesh. In my family my dad, me, and my brothers all use a Topi. My Topi has 5 pillars on it. Those pillars stand for the 5 pillars of Islam. The 5 pillars are fasting, donation, pilgrimage, declarence of God and his messenger, and prayer. My Topi is white and is made out of fine cotton fabric.This hat is a very important artifact in my religion. It is symbolic that as Muslims all the acts that we do are in honor to God.I chose this artifact because it is used all over Bangladesh. Also Mohammad wore a Topi. He is one of the most important people in my religion. This artifact teaches me what people in my religion would wear for prayer. Also this item connects me to my grandfather. He moved to America more than 4 decades ago. When he came to America it was very important to him to not lose his his identity as a Muslim man. He did not want that for my father or me as well. If my grandfather was alive, I would tell him that it was worth it that he came to America for the opportunity. I would also reassure him that I am proud to be a Muslim. My topi is probably worth $5.00, but, to me it’s worth more than gold.

– Afraz Kashem

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