Sitting on the porch through sweltering days and
breezy afternoons, the three sisters work tirelessly
with hat frames, needles, and dried leaves. To them,
stitching conical hats is not merely a livelihood; it is a
tapestry of memory, intertwined with childhood and
family tradition. “We have done this since we were 16 or
17, passed down by our mother. We loved it so much that
we simply cannot give it up,” said Nam, 65.
While the work may seem simple, it demands extreme
precision and patience. Working with full concentration,
one can complete only a single hat per day. The craft
does not yield a high income - each hat sells for about 110,000 dong (about 4 US dollars). It is only a job during interludes between farming
seasons or household chores, but it brings the joy of upholding an ancestral
heritage. It also helps generate employment for middle-aged and elderly women
in the region where a Conical Hat Making Union has been established.
Making a durable and beautiful hat includes framing, smoothing the rings,
weaving the leaves, and stitching.
Photo: Nguyen Luan/VNP
The process involves several intricate stages: setting the frame, shaping the
rings, layering the leaves, stitching, and finishing the edge.
According to To, 68, the most challenging stage of
the process is "shaping the rings" - fitting the bamboo
rings onto the mold before layering the leaves. This is a
crucial step that sets the perfect symmetry and balance
of the hat.
This attention to detail, from selecting
premium leaves to making every stitch, ensures that
each hat is not only durable but also a work of art.
Layering the leaves also requires skill to ensure
the inner, middle (paper lining), and outer layers are
perfectly aligned.
Once finished, the hat is coated with a layer of
varnish to enhance its durability and water resistance.
The signature of the Can Tho conical hat lies in its materials and craftsmanship. Locals use mat cat (lady palm) leaves - known for their durability and smooth surface - combined with a bamboo frame to create a sturdy structure.
Three sisters - Tran Thi Nam, Tran Thi To, and Tran Thi Tra have been
dedicated to this craft in Thoi Lai for
decades. Photo: Le Minh/VNP
The products are made into two main types: field
hats and tourist hats. While field hats emphasize
durability and wide rings for sun protection, tourist
hats prioritize aesthetics, using selected leaves and
exquisite needlework.
Making conical hats helps women in Thoi Lai, Can Tho earn extra income during their free time. Photo: VNA
More than just a tool to shield one from the sun
and rain, the conical hat carries deep cultural value. A
5
woman in a non la is an image typical of the Mekong
Delta. For women like Nam, To, and Tra, each hat is a
vessel for memory, family affection, and the legacy of
a craft village.
Day by day, these hats are stitched with a steady,
enduring rhythm. Within every stitch made by the
sisters - who have lived through more than half a
century - the thread does more than just bind layers
of leaves; it is a vibrant cord connecting the past to the
present, preserving the simple yet profound beauty of
the southwest./.
Story: Trung Khanh
Photos: Le Minh, Thong Thien, Nguyen Luan/VNP & Thu Hien