PILONCILLO HAT MADE OF OTTER HAIR AND FRENCH BRAID
This otter hair hat is a true masterpiece of charrera craftsmanship. Its short and elegant piloncillo cup is adorned with a braid and toquilla made of the famous fabric known as French braid. On top of this exquisite braid, an embroidery in gold-colored canutillo stands out, adding a touch of opulence and distinction.
The cord ends on the toquilla, also in gold tone, form an Alamar knot that adds an additional detail of sophistication. The design of two or three crosses with the tips facing sideways evokes a traditional symbolism rooted in the charrera culture. This hat, once worn by ranchers, marked social status. The high crown represented a symbol of high position, and although over time it was adapted, it retains its legacy of distinction.
About the Piloncillo Cup
The "piloncillo" hats, with their distinctive truncated cone-shaped cup, allude to a type of solid, dark, cone-shaped sugar made from concentrated and then cooled sugar cane juice. The charro hats are handmade with meticulousness and detail, they combine traditional elements with high quality materials. The piloncillo cup, in its various heights, has been a status symbol in the charro culture, used mainly by hacienderos.
French chevron, a fabric renowned for its elegance and rich history, is a recurring trim on these hats. Its presence adds a touch of sophistication and distinction. Over time, the French braid has evolved in meaning, but its legacy as a style element endures in charro fashion. These hats are not only garments, but also living testimonies of tradition and craftsmanship rooted in Mexican culture.