Conical Hat Workshop

History

Bavihomestead

The hat-making craft in Phú Châu Commune began in 1939, originating from Mrs. Phạm Thị Nhàn, a skilled hat maker from Chuông Village (now Phương Trung Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi). After marrying and moving to Phú Xuyên Hamlet in Phú Châu Commune, she brought the craft with her and taught it to the local villagers.. Just a few years later, the conical hat craft had spread throughout the commune, providing villagers with additional income and establishing itself as a traditional village craft. Phú Châu conical hats possess a distinct identity with high-quality craftsmanship, proudly carrying the Phú Châu brand through generations..

Characteristics

The distinctive feature of Phú Châu conical hats is that they have only 15 layers, one fewer than the hats from Chuông Village and other craft villages. Mrs. Nhàn and the local people adjusted and refined the technique to create hats that are compact, elegant, lightweight, durable, and just as beautiful as those from other hat-making villages..

Making a conical hat requires a variety of materials, including bamboo strips for the brim, rattan for the headband, bamboo sheaths for the inner lining between the layers of leaves to ensure sturdiness, and synthetic thread for stitching. According to the locals, the leaves used for the hats are imported directly from Quảng Bình. Creating a beautiful hat also demands careful attention to several steps: selecting thin, white leaves; choosing flat inner layers; smoothing and uniformizing the bamboo strips and rattan; and sewing carefully to avoid breaking the thread. Only by following these meticulous steps can the finished hat achieve high quality and a refined appearance..

The creation of a conical hat involves seven steps: preparing the leaves, ironing the leaves, making the brim, shaping the hat, stitching, attaching the headband, and finishing the tip. Among these, ironing the leaves is considered the most difficult step, requiring great care and concentration. Mrs. Lê Thị Sáu, a local hat maker, shared: “The artisan must maintain moderate heat and monitor the temperature constantly to avoid scorching the leaves, ensuring they become flat, beautiful, and glossy.” Additionally, when shaping the hat, the maker must carefully select leaves of uniform color, choose even inner layers of consistent thickness, and skillfully arrange the leaves and inner layers so that the hat is tightly closed and the tip does not unravel..

After shaping the hat, the stitching process begins. This is also considered a difficult and crucial step, requiring the skill and meticulousness of experienced artisans. The stitches must be even, straight, and rounded, maintaining consistent spacing between the brim layers. If the stitches are too loose, uneven, or the needle punctures the same spot multiple times, it can easily damage or tear the surface of the hat..

Having endured the ups and downs of history, for more than 80 years, Phú Châu conical hats have been passed down through generations and continuously improved, creating a distinct brand thanks to the skillful hands of local artisans. Visiting Phú Châu Commune early in the morning offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the market, where these iconic hats are on display. “The hat-making craft has survived until now as a reminder for the younger generation to join in preserving traditional values so that the past is not forgotten,” shared Mr. Nguyễn Văn Dũng..

Hoạt Động

• The artisans provide an overview of the history of Phú Châu hat-making village.
• Guiding students and visitors on how to make conical hats.
• Assisting participants in making their own conical hats.