To each their own hat, and for each headgear, a unique meaning. In Peru, and more broadly across the Andean highlands, choosing a hat is far from a simple fashion statement.
Indeed, every piece of headgear, in addition to its practical and decorative purposes, carries vital information about its wearer. A hat can reveal the social or marital status of the person beneath it, while ethnic identity remains instantly recognizable through specific shapes, colors, and materials.
The diversity of Peruvian headwear reflects a strong and preserved cultural identity.