300 Years On Horseback: The Story Of Vietnam’s Warrior Conical Hat

The making of the Phu Gia Horse Conical Hats - a specialized horse-riding hat - has withstood for over 300 years. Recently, it was granted the National Intangible Cultural Heritage certificate, marking an outstanding milestone for the Phu Gia Conical Hat Village, which is home to 120 conical hat-tying households.

The Symbol Of Power In Ancient Vietnam

The Phu Gia Village in Binh Dinh province stands out for its commitment to producing horse conical hats, made primarily for the rich and noble in ancient Vietnam and often used when they were riding horses.

Only noble warriors and landlords were eligible to wear this kind of hat, which was often coupled with silver caps and carved with sophisticated decorations of dragons and phoenixes on the top. This inherently showed their authority and symbolized their power in the feudal era of Vietnam.

The origin of Phu Gia Horse Conical Hat ties back to the Nguyen Dynasty, when skilled artisans created hats for officials who rode on horseback. Furthermore, the intricate design of the hats required precision and craftsmanship to implicitly express the strength and braveness of people living on the land of martial arts - Binh Dinh.

Craftsmanship Of Horse Conical Hats

What makes a horse conical hat unique and valuable is the meticulous process the artisans need to go through to produce a complete one. The most striking element of the hat is the embroidered patterns on each that are different from one another, corresponding to the position and dignity of the person who wears it.

The process also involves several key steps with full preparedness. The hats are made from three main materials: bamboo for the frame, palm leaves for the outer layer, and pineapple fibers to stitch everything together.

Craftspeople spend hours weaving these materials into a sturdy yet elegant design. The hats are then decorated with sophisticated but symbolic designs, often adorned with images like dragons and phoenixes, implicating strength and prosperity.

Each step is often divided among different households, with one specializing in bamboo preparation and others in the stitching or finishing touches. This division of labor aims to ensure efficiency while maintaining a high-quality product.

An artisan shared that crafting one of these hats can take up to a month. This labor-intensive process, combined with the craftsmanship involved, has resulted in the horse conical hats being highly valued and expensive.

Not Only A Cultural Heritage

From a broader perspective, the hat’s cultural significance goes beyond its physical appearance. It represents the identity of the Binh Dinh region, which is known for its martial arts history and spirit of resistance.

Binh Dinh is renowned for Vietnamese traditional martial arts. During the Tay Son Dynasty, this region produced many warriors who wore horse conical hats as part of their gear while traveling or practicing combat techniques.

This was because horse conical hats were built to withstand the harsh elements such as sun, rain, and wind, facilitating warriors to practice or travel across the countryside.

Moreover, this type of hat was favored by martial artists and soldiers for its lightweight yet durable design. Crafted with thicker layers of bamboo and palm leaves, these hats were ideal for protection during long journeys on horseback.

Visiting Phu Gia Craft Village

Not only being famous for the pristine beaches with captivating landscapes, Binh Dinh also offers travelers with the rich treasures of Vietnam history. Phu Gia Horse Craft Village is a famous destination that visitors cannot miss when visiting Binh Dinh.

While the tradition remains strong, there are efforts to modernize the craft to attract more buyers visiting Phu Gia Craft Village. Modern versions of the horse conical hats are often decorated with more complex designs and made from higher-quality materials, which customers can buy as souvenirs or display in their homes as keepsakes.

Furthermore, visitors can make their own products with the instruction of skilled craftsmen. Through experiencing the meticulous process of making a horse conical hat, visitors can feel a profound connection to Vietnamese craftsmanship, cultural heritage and historical significance.