Saap

From Bhangra Teams' Forum - Bhangra Wiki

Wooden instrument used to make a clapping sound. They are also known as khenchiyan (scissors) or shikkey. Some sources claim that saaps were originally used to scare away crows from crops. Others attribute the loud noise created from using the saap as an invocation of thunderous clouds, with which come rain for the crops. "Saap vajdey badul vangu kachdey." Used in bhangra as dancing props and malwain da giddha as instruments.

Made out of robust wood, the sups are a series of equal length flat wooden pieces held together with a metal nuts and bolts. The sups have handles on either side which allow the bhangra dancer to open and close the interlocking wooden pieces. Each time the sups are closed they make a clapping sound which is mostly in rhythm with the beat and step of the dance. Sups are generally used with high energy and fast-paced choreography and add an extra punch to the dance routine. This prop is a necessity for many bhangra teams.