Cartagena de Indias
Page 27
San Pedro
de Majagua
Island
The Vueltiao or “Turned Hat”
The making of the hat originated from the Zenú tribe of Colombia. The hat is traditionally worn by
cumbia dancers and vallenato artists and in the 2004 Olympics the Colombian delegation wore
it during the opening ceremony. The hat is made out of Gynerium sagittatum known locally as
caña flecha, a type of cane that grows in the region. Making a 'sombrero vueltiao' is a lengthy process.
First, the caña flecha leafs must be dried and the veins removed using a knife and a piece of
leather to obtain uniform, sturdy strips. The strips are then dried in the sun for several days until
they reach a uniform black color. After the desired colors are obtained, the caña flecha strips are
woven into the braids that are used to form the hat. This can take many days, depending on the
desired quality. The olma, which is the central part of the top of the hat is the first part to be woven.
The crown of the hat and the wings are made later. The hat is then finished by using a foot-driven
sewing machine that sews the hat together.