PANAMA HATS

Activity 5: Why are toquilla straw hats called “Panama hats”?

The hats are original and manufactured in Montecristi, Ecuador; their name comes from the
fact that they reached relevance during the construction of the Panama Canal when
thousands of hats were imported from Ecuador for the use of construction workers.

1. Answer this question How much do you know about the Panama Hat?

Is there any technology involved to produce Panama hats? Yes X No

Do you think that the history of Panama hats started in Panama and then it was
produced in Ecuador? Yes No X

Do you think the production of Panama hats contributes to the growth of a

community`s economy? Yes No X
Discuss your answers as a group (teacher could develop a poll) or with your family.
We went into one of the manufactures of Panama hats in Cuenca. Here it is possible to travel
a bit in time, following this special hat step by step on its way of creation. Large black and
white photos showed Cuenca in the years around 1845 in which these hats were established
as a strong export product and a product of daily use for the population of the people of
Cuenca and its surroundings. Only about ten years did the well-organized production begin
in Montecristi, in the Manabí province, as well.

2. Read the following passage

The History of Paja Toquilla Hats

It is said that back in 1835, people in Montecristi, Manabi sent boxes of hats to Manta and
Guayaquil to be exported to Panama. The time coincided with the California Gold Rush
(1848-1855), which made the hat famous because of the abundant sun on the
west coast of the United States. They became so popular in the ports of Panama that the name
was quickly linked to that location.

During the construction of the Panama Canal, Theodore Roosevelt, who was the president of
United States at that time, wore those kinds of hats and contributed to their increasing
popularity. Many workers also wore them. It is said that many passengers who were passing
through the canal also made the hats famous. They became really valued around the world.
Edward VII of England ordered a hat for himself and paid a lot of money for it. In 1985, the
hat was selected as one of the 100 best designs ever by the Conrad Foundation in England.
Also, in 2017, the UNESCO declared paja toquilla hats as part of the list of Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity.
3. Fill in the blanks using information from the reading.

Paja toquilla hats are called PANAMA HAT

Theodore Roosevelt wore those kinds of hats during the construction of the panama
canal

Edward Vil ordered a hat for himself and paid a lot of money.

In1985, the hat was chosen as one of the best designs by the Conrad Foundation.

TheUNESCOdeclared the hats as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.