Old Tagalog Salakot Hat

[Battara]

Greetings,

I received this salakot from Runjeet (formally Akaalarms). After some restoration based on research, here are the final results.

I would place this from the mid 19th century and belonging to a Tagalog noble working for the Spanish, perhaps an administrator.

Enjoy!

[Robert]

Hello Jose, What a marvelous hat after the restoration work that you have done. Can you tell me what the shell is made from and is finished with?

Best,
Robert

[Battara]

Thank you Robert.

The shell looks to be painted/lacquered over canvas, over coiled whole (not split) rattan, over colored woven thread. A multi-layered construction (and a lot of time).

[Battara]

Here are 2 pictures of the inside of my salakot:

[Battara]

Originally I learned that those who wore these hats worked for the Spanish authorities in the 1800s.

This weekend my father (a Tagalog) informed me that men of the Katipunan wore these hats also.

Thought I'd share this little tidbit of information......