Weaving Life -The Story of Ecuador's "Panama Hat" (2/3)

Weaving Life - Discovering the Story of Ecuador's "Panama Hat"

This is a 30min documentary about the perhaps most famous and powerful hat in history. We are following the story and the people who are making the word's most famous straw hat - the Panama hat.

In truth this hat has always been woven in Ecuador, a small Latin American country. The misnomer Panama hat has its origin from the times when the Panama canal was built and the hat was used by the workers to protect themselves from the sun.

In Europe and North America the hat is sold for up to 10.000 Dollars, while the weavers in Ecuador earn a tenth or less of the selling price. Normally 200 Dollars a month. They can hardly feed their families while the hat is a symbol of status and authority in the First World.

However, still today the hat plays an important part in Ecuador's history and culture. But the art of weaving the hat is dying out. The handicraft is bad paid and not interesting anymore for young people.

I am following the Panama hat's trail across Ecuador. We get to know the people who are making the hat, how they live and what role the hat plays in their lives.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Panama
• Hat
• Ecuador
• Weaver
• Weaving
• Straw
• Latin
• America
• Art
• superfino
• Strohhut
• Panamahut
• Weber
• Montecristi
• Cuenca

[Franziskus1182]

Today I got my first Panama Hat.

I was extremly curious to see how it's gonna work - it was just wonderful. Such a hat is extremly stylish (even for younger generations - i'm 35) and a priceless addition to whatever clothing.

[panamahats4]

If anyone is interested I sell them I got them. They are the authentic Panama Hat hand made with toquilla straw feel free to look at my page.

[snyperkyzer]

i want one of these HATS! theres nut-n like the real thing!

[mcdermottpeter]

Yeah, I came here because I ordered my first hat today as well. I was trying to tell some friends on Facebook that although it might have seemed expensive, it was actually a bargain given how much work goes into them.

[juanchitoalonso]

@jechoify they are called Panama Hat... Ecuadorian Hat doesnt sound good...

[PrincessKonstantina]

OH god she gave him 10$ to get something for his kids and instead he got drunk! These people will never evolve, they will either starve or be drunk!

[fourunerr]

im speechless thank you for your documentary is beautiful..greetings from seattle

[slickjilly]

What beautiful people. My husband is from Ecuador. My Mother-in-law was the most beautiful woman. Only 4'9", but she could do anything. God I miss her so much.

[jechoify]

NOW I KNOW WHERE THESE HATS ARE FROM! NO MORE "PANAMA HAT" BUT ECUADORIAN HAT.