Description
Cuenca in Ecuador is regarded as the global centre for the processing and export of genuine toquilla straw hats. Whilst the fine straw is harvested on the coast and is often woven by hand in rural areas, the hats are finished in Cuenca’s renowned workshops. The hat blanks are cleaned to preserve their characteristic light colour. The protruding straw strands visible in the photograph are carefully trimmed by hand. The hat is shaped into its typical form using either traditional or modern hydraulic presses and heat. Finally, the inner sweatband and the classic black outer band are sewn on. – 1977
