The History of Palm Hats from Mexico

Palm Hats have been hand woven by the Purepecha Indians of Mexico since the mid 16th century. These people were nearly wiped out by the arrival of the Spaniards in the early 1500’s. They suffered years of looting, and killing under the rule of the Spanish Captain Nuno de Guzman. In 1530 the Spanish government sent Don Vasco de Quirago to try to regain the trust of the people. He funded schools and hospitals. He also brought skilled craftsmen from Spain to teach the Indians skills such as weaving, coopersmithing, pottery making, and woodcarving. He encouraged each village to take the new skills and create their own unique designs. Thus, they began to rebuild their economy. For his works and dedication Don Vasco is still remembered today as a cherished and loved member of the people. Nearly 500 years later the villages continue in the same tradition to create their unique arts and sustain their families with pieces that continue to bring pleasure.

The Hat Making Process

Tula Hats are hand woven of palm in the traditional manner. The palm is grown in the warm coastal areas of Mexico. This sustainable fiber is harvested twice a year. The new shoots are cut and then placed in the dew where the fronds are flipped back and forth for eight days. Then they are placed in a palapa fire made of adobe where the palm is cooked for a day in sulfur that whitens the palm. From there the palm is bundled and sent to market where the weavers purchase it. The entire village is involved (at some point of their lives) in the weaving, sewing and blocking of the hats. Primarily, the women do the weaving. They can be seen walking down the streets or sitting in their courtyards weaving palm into long strands. The men sew the strands of palm (braids) into the basic hat body. Then the hats are blocked and ready to be adorned.