Colombian Aguadeño Hat

This iconic toquilla straw hat originates from the municipality of Aguadas, Caldas, Colombia. It is handwoven with iraca fiber by local artisans. The fiber is obtained from the iraca palm, and its production process can take from one to three weeks.
The story goes that a man named Juan Crisóstomo Flores, an Ecuadorian, introduced the weaving technique of this hat to Aguadas Caldas around 1860.
He arrived in Aguadas with a hat, took it apart, and taught the locals how to weave it. In 2012, the Aguadeño hat received the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) designation in Colombia, meaning it can only be considered authentic if made in the municipality of Aguadas using local materials. This designation protects the craft and prevents the sale of imitations. Its recognition and use extend beyond Colombian borders, and it is appreciated and used internationally. The Aguadeño hat, made with Iraca fiber, is a representative symbol of Colombian culture and the region of Aguadas, Caldas. The PDO protects its quality and authenticity, allowing artisans to access both national and international markets. Despite being a Colombian product, the Aguadeño hat has achieved international recognition, being worn by people from different countries and cultures.