Why Authentic Handwoven Panama Hats May Not Be Long For This Earth
Ecuadorean weavers in the Andean mountains have been making authentic Panama hats by hand for centuries.
In fact, it takes a weaver an entire day to make just one hat--and earn just five US dollars. That's not enough to keep up with the cost of living.
According to Business Insider, the traditional artisan craft is now in danger of disappearing into the fog of history.
In the small village of Puzhio, for example, the number of hat weavers has dropped from 124 to just 25 in the past 15 years.
Many have left the country in search of more lucrative--and less tedious--work.
And those who remain have little faith that future generations will carry on the tradition.
In fact, it takes a weaver an entire day to make just one hat--and earn just five US dollars. That's not enough to keep up with the cost of living.
According to Business Insider, the traditional artisan craft is now in danger of disappearing into the fog of history.
In the small village of Puzhio, for example, the number of hat weavers has dropped from 124 to just 25 in the past 15 years.
Many have left the country in search of more lucrative--and less tedious--work.
And those who remain have little faith that future generations will carry on the tradition.