Jipi Hat

This hat has not been ironed into shape or decorated with a ribbon, which would normally be done before use. Becal is a place historically known for producing hats made of jipi (fibre from the toquilla palm plant). The thinner the palm thread, the better quality the hat. These hats are known across Mexico and are a source of tourism and cultural pride for local people. The Yucatan peninsula is a karst landscape underneath which is an extensive interconnected web of caves and sinkholes (known as cenotes). Basket weaving was an important material production tradition in ancient Maya lowland societies, though the fabrication of hats made from palm was introduced after European contact--jipi hats date back to the 19th century. Other material knowledge systems that use palm, such as palm roof traditional Maya houses in the Yucatan peninsula, are endangered due to governmental initiatives associated with World Health Organisation standards.

Jipi fibres (from the toquilla palm plant) are pulled apart to make very fine threads, which are then boiled in sulphur to bleach, dried in the sun and then woven to make the hat. The weaving process is conducted in caves underground where the air is cold and humid, making the palm fibre more pliable.

Finely woven traditional men’s hat, made from toquilla palm (jipi). Hat has a moderately wide brim, with a slightly upturned edge, and a tall rounded top.