We got to see how conical hats are made. They are put around a ‘skeleton’ (wire frame) of a conical hat. The dried leaves are ironed using a hot stone and steam from a clay pot. The leaves are then wrapped around and around the wire framing. Voila- you have a hat! These remind me of images from Vietnam that I saw when I was younger of people working in the rice paddies. The real life images are the same today.
marschmadness 
LOVE!
Love the hats, and the beautiful faces. Miss you all. We will be back from Panama on Saturday, maybe we could skype if you are somewhere that it works. Just let us know. Love ya lots!!!!!