1. Introduction
For a long time, the Conical Hat has been a well-known trademark in Vietnam and around the world. After hundreds of years of formation and development, the Conical Hat has become a cultural symbol associated with the image of Hue girls. When mentioning Hue’s traditional craft villages, the Conical hat village is one of the most famous brands. This craft village is dedicated to preserving the unique cultural features of Hue.
Hue Conical Hat (cone-shaped hats) are traditional products, closely associated with the daily lives of the people of the ancient capital. This is not only a typical traditional but also brings beauty to Hue women. When travelling to Hue, tourists not only visit famous scenic spots of Hue such as the Imperial Hue, Hue Royal Tombs but also want to visit the Hue Conical Hat village. Although Conical Hat are no longer as popular as before, there are still have traditional craft villages and talented artisans who are dedicated to their profession.
2. Conical Hat Village Hue History
On the banks of the Nhu Y River, Tay Ho Village, Phu Ho Commune, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien Hue Province, has long been famous for its traditional conical hat making. Located about 12 km southeast of Hue city, this village has honed its craft over centuries, with the iconic poem hat being a mark of Hue culture.
In Tay Ho Village, the art of making hats is not limited to women; Even men have skills in shaping hats and adjusting brims. The exact origin of the poem hat-making profession in the village is still a mystery, but through many ups and downs of history, the hat-making profession still exists as a revered profession, a legacy passed down by generations.
3. How To Make A Hue Poem Conical Hats?
3.1. Conical leaves
The first step is to choose conical leaves originating from the Bo Diep Quy tree. These leaves must have a delicate balance, not too young, not too old. The ideal leaves are light green, soft, and about 40 to 50 cm in size. Experience is key in choosing leaves that will maintain their vibrant color even after drying. Once carefully collected, the leaves are dried in the humid morning air before undergoing multiple ironings to achieve a smooth, flat texture.
3.2. Hat frame (Cone mold)
Crafting the hat frame, or cone mold, is another precise endeavor. Consisting of six main ribs and sixteen smaller bamboo slats, the frame requires meticulous shaping to ensure the perfect curvature and spacing between the brims. Each bamboo fiber is sharpened to a fine point and meticulously bent into a round, glossy rim. While the traditional 16-rim size is most common, variations such as 13-rim, 14-rim, or 18-rim frames exist.
3.3. Roofing with leaves
Roofing hats with leaves requires skill to avoid overlapping layers, creating smooth, uniform hats. This step requires the artist’s keen eye to ensure that the leaves are arranged evenly, achieving a harmonious appearance.
3.4. Sewing hats (Form a cone)
The pinnacle of the process lies in “coning” the cone to form a cone. The skilled craftsman demonstrates both precision and speed, ensuring the leaves hug each other tightly. Once completed, a decorative “mango” is glued to the top of the hat with brilliant thread before being coated with several layers of oil. Drying in the sun increases the shine and durability of the hat, perfecting the masterpiece.
4. Where to experience making conical hats?
You can come experience Tay Ho Conical Hat Village located at Tay Ho Village in Phu Ho Commune, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien Hue Province, about 12 km from Hue City center. You can get there with any road vehicle, the cost may depend on the vehicle you choose.
Or if you are looking for a program that combines exploring Hue and experiencing conical hat making, you can join the Hue Royal Tour and Traditional Craft Experience.
5. Where to buy Hue Poem Conical hats?
Hue’s iconic conical hats are ubiquitous in every tourist destination you discover, testifying to their status as a quintessential symbol of the city. You can visit the conical hat village, where the art of making these hats appears before your eyes. Not only can you observe the meticulous process of making conical hats, but you can also choose for yourself from the countless options available. For a truly engaging experience, consider trying your hand at making or painting these hats yourself, creating a unique keepsake to cherish.
If you want to buy Hue conical hats or Hue poem conical hats elsewhere, both Dong Ba Market and Incense Village (Huong Village) offer many options for your reference. Whether a functional accessory or a cherished keepsake, Hue’s conical hats provide a connection between you and the city’s rich cultural heritage.
