The "paja toquilla," also known as the "panama hat," is a traditional straw hat from Ecuador, known worldwide for its elegance, lightness, and durability. Contrary to what the name suggests, the Panama Hat is not native to Panama, but is mainly produced in Ecuador’s coastal provinces, including Manabí and Azuay.The "paja toquilla" is handmade from natural fibers obtained from the toquilla palm, a species of palm tree that grows in the forests of Ecuador. The palm’s fibers are harvested, boiled, bleached, and then woven by hand to create the hats.The production of paja toquilla hats has a long history in Ecuador, dating back to the 16th century, when Spanish colonizers imposed headgear on indigenous workers. Over the years, the production of paja toquilla hats has become a highly valued craft tradition in Ecuador and an important source of income for local communities.Today, paja toquilla hats are sold around the world as a high quality and prestigious product. Hats are created in different shapes and sizes, from the classic Panama hat with a wide brim to the fedora or trilby. In Ecuador, paja toquilla hat production is an important economic and cultural resource for many local communities and contributes to the preservation of the region’s craft traditions.
