Ngoc My conical hats in the making

Making conical hats in Ngoc My commune in Quoc Oai district, Hanoi, is not only a way of protecting the local traditional craft but also a good source of income for residents.

Hat makers in Ngoc My often buy materials at the Chuong market in the neighbouring Thanh Oai district (Photo: VNA)

Young palm leaves from Phu Tho and Thai Nguyen provinces are hung for dry for a couple of days before being used to make hats. (Photo: VNA)

Bamboo slats are used to form the hat's frame.(Photo: VNA)

Whittling bamboo slats (Photo: VNA)

Making the hat frame (Photo: VNA)

Arranging palm leaves around the frame (Photo: VNA)

Stitching palm leaves together (Photo: VNA)

(Photo: VNA)

A family of hat makers in Ngoc My (Photo: VNA)

An average hat maker can produce two or three hats ​a day. (Photo: VNA)

Ngoc My conical hats are sold at the Chuong market (Photo: VNA)

VNA