Bolivia
Mid-20th century
Leather, wool, sequins
The hat worn by Tarbuqueño men is thought to have been inspired by the helmets or morion worn by the Spanish conquistadors who conquered the Inca Empire in the 16th century. Upon the death of her husband, a Tarabuco woman will discard her montera and wear her husband’s hat for the remainder of her life, signifying the additional responsibilities that she is expected to assume.