Bamboo hat

China

Mid-20th century

Bamboo, lacquer, silk, beads

Lightweight and comfortable, the wide-brimmed, conical hat—made from straw, bamboo, or palm leaf—is ubiquitous throughout East Asia. It comes in nearly infinite varieties of designs and weaves, depending on the wearer’s country of origin, region, and community. Typically worn by farmers in fields and rice paddies, the hats offer protection from the sun and help keep the wearer dry during a downpour.