Thua Thien - Hue
Handicraft Villages

Phu Cam Conical Hat Village

Location: Phu Cam Village is also known as Phuoc Vinh Ward, lying right in Hue inner city, south of An Cuu river bank.
Characteristics: Hue conical hat or Phu Cam conical hat has not only a beautiful form but also modest color. It is light and so thin that light seems to pierce through it. Through natural light, one can see Hue landscapes with verses engraved on paper placed between two layers of leaves.

The conical hat form depends primarily on its frame, ensuring the technique of shaping the top, and of keeping equal distance between brims and roundness of brims. After the frame, comes the selection of hat leaves which should have a greenish white color. Leaves should be neither too young nor too old, only 8-9 are enough for making one hat. Following the choice of leaves is the process of drying and treatment.

The Hue graceful conic hat has a frame of 16 big and small brims. Brims are curved into circumferences with the two ends skillfully tied by a small cotton thread. Handicraft workers carefully place and stitch greenish white leaves on the frame with a special thread made of transparent resistant silk.

"Non Bai Tho" - Conical hat with inscribed verses - is an integral part of Hue culture. The production of hats in Hue is not only a handicraft but also an art which provides the society with artistic products.

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