The conical hat is a symbol closely associated with the Vietnamese people. It represents the national spirit and embodies the beauty, charm, simplicity, and rusticity of Vietnamese women. When paired with the traditional ao dai, the conical hat showcases a unique and modest beauty characteristic of Vietnamese culture.

Origin

Since ancient times, Vietnam's hot and humid tropical monsoon climate, along with the tradition of farming, has necessitated protective headwear. Our ancestors created the conical hat to shield themselves from the sun and rain. Over time, the conical hat evolved into an essential item in daily life. The earliest image of a hat resembling the conical design can be found carved on the Ngoc Lu bronze drum and the Dao Thinh bronze jar, dating back to around 3000 - 2500 BC.

The Craftsmanship of Making palm-leaf conical hat

Conical hats are crafted from various materials, such as palm leaves, coconut leaves, bamboo, coriander leaves, and foxglove leaves, with the primary material being conical leaves. They typically feature a strap made from soft fabric, velvet, or silk to secure the hat around the neck.

While most conical hats are, as the name suggests, shaped in a cone, some may have a wider, flatter top. The conical leaves are carefully shaped into thin, flexible strips of bamboo, which are then bent into circles of varying diameters to form the brims. These strips are arranged on a conical mold.

During the sewing process, the craftsman must be skilled to ensure that the tip of the hat remains concealed. The stitches should be short, and the holes small to keep the hat round, tight, and smooth from the edge of the leaves to the stitches. After securely attaching the leaves to the hat frame, a layer of varnish is applied to enhance both the durability and aesthetic appeal of the product.

The Significance of Vietnamese palm-leaf conical hat

For farmers, palm-leaf conical hat hold significant practical value. Although they are not expensive, their simple and modest beauty reflects the spirit of the Vietnamese people. For farmers, these hats are essential items used daily to provide protection from rain and sun.

For Vietnamese women, conical hats complement the discreet and gentle look created when combined with the flowing ao dai. When people see Vietnamese conical hats, they often think of their homeland and feel a deep sense of pride in their country’s traditional culture.