Vueltiao Cinco Sonrisas

The traditional hat of Colombia, the sombrero vueltiao is woven from caña flecha by the Zenú in the Cordoba region.  Caña flecha is the wild cane grass or arrow grass grown in parts of Colombia, Brazil and Peru. It takes several weeks to make the sombrero vueltiao, from harvest to dying the reeds and to the actual weaving. The vueltiao comes from the word “vuelta” or laps, referring to the number of bands used woven into the crown. The hats are typically woven with bands in dark brown and natural caña flecha, but also can be found with accents of bright colors. The weavers incorporate “pintas” or “faces” in the crown of the sombrero. These patterns represent the artists’ “signature” or may be symbols in nature or might also commemorate certain music, stories or dances. Originally, the indigenous Zenú used the hats for protection from the strong sun while harvesting corn in the fields.  Now, not only is the sombrero vueltiao an iconic symbol of Colombia, it is also traditionally worn by