Panama Hat

Object/Artifact

-

International Museum of Art & Science

Name/Title

Panama Hat

Entry/Object ID

2025.01.019

Description

A finely woven, natural straw hat with a wide, undulating brim and rounded crown. The weave is tight and consistent, displaying the smooth texture characteristic of high-quality toquilla straw. The brim exhibits a subtle wave pattern along the edge, likely shaped during production to provide both sun protection and stylistic flair. The natural coloration of the straw is a pale, golden beige, with slight patina and darker discolorations from age and wear. Two creases along the crown indicate the shaping method used in traditional Panama hat blocking.

Made/Created

Time Period

1970s

Ethnography

Cultural Region

* Untyped Cultural Region

Coastal Ecuador

Culture/Tribe

Manteño-Huancavilca, Cañari