Kuba Hat / Fan Palm / Ishigaki, Okinawa-JPN 151201 沖縄県石垣島/クバ クバ笠 海人(うみんちゅ)・畑人(ハルサー) 2タイプ 綿紐 ルイ版
Kuba Hat / Fan Palm / Ishigaki, Okinawa-JPN 151201 沖縄県石垣島/クバ クバ笠 海人(うみんちゅ)・畑人(ハルサー) 2タイプ 綿紐 ルイ版
This hat was made on Ishigaki Island from the fan palm (Kuba) leaves.
Fan palm, also known by its Japanese name Birō.
In Okinawa, there is a phrase, “Kubanu fanu yuu (蒲葵ぬ葉ぬ世).” It refers to an ancient time when people had no clothing and covered themselves with the fan palm leaves.
The large, durable leaves have been used since ancient times to make everyday items such as straw raincoats, hats, sandals, fans, ladles, and even as roofing materials.
The wood of the fan palm tree itself is also extremely hard, and was used for building structures, the necks of sanshin (string instruments), boat paddles, and koshiki—cylindrical wooden steamers.
From ancient times, the fan palm has been a steadfast companion in island life, providing both shelter and material for daily living.
Here, we introduce two types of hats made from fan palm leaves.
The one on the left in the photo is the Sea type, traditionally worn by fishermen, and the one on the right is the Field type, used by farmers.
Both are worn to protect the head from the sun, rain, and wind, but their shapes differ slightly depending on where—and by whom—they were used.
The structure of both types is the same, made from fan palm leaves and hōraichiku (a type of bamboo), sourced locally from Ishigaki and Kohama Islands.During the weaving process, small splits may appear around the holes where the thread is passed through the fan palm leaves. Minor cracks may also be seen in other parts due to the natural material, but since the hat has a double-layered construction, these do not affect its use. Please note that such characteristics are not considered defects.You may also notice occasional stains or variations in color on the fan palm leaves. These are part of the natural pattern of the material and are not considered flaws. We appreciate your understanding.The rim of the hat is finished with hoteichiku (a type of bamboo) grown on Ishigaki Island.This is the Sea type, traditionally used by fishermen in Okinawa.Its defining feature is the flat top and the steeper slope compared with the Field type.The design helps reduce wind resistance when worn at sea.It is also said that the hat could be turned upside down in emergencies and used as a scoop to bail seawater out of small wooden fishing boats.The hat is made using the broad, uncut center portions of fan palm leaves, which are naturally resistant to water, making them useful for light rain protection as well.The hat is sewn together with strong synthetic thread—the same type used for sewing tatami mats.This is the Field type, used by farmers working in the fields.In Okinawa, where the climate is warm and the sun strong throughout the year, the fan palm hat and fan palm raincoat were essential for agricultural work.The fan palm naturally grows with pleated leaves that spread radially from the center, and this hat makes use of that natural shape in its construction.Inside the hat, the same durable tatami-thread is used. Traditional hats often used round bamboo rods for reinforcement, but by using thread instead, the hat becomes lighter, more durable, and easier to use in daily life.According to the craftsman, the Sea type is the more difficult one to make.
When placed on the head, it feels so light that you almost forget you are wearing it.
It allows you to work freely with both hands, protected from sunlight and light rain—a truly practical design.
The hat reflects attentive craftsmanship— one can sense how carefully it was made, based on listening closely to the people who use it.
Beyond its practicality, its appearance is also remarkably beautiful.
Ideal for farm or garden work, for professional use, or even for leisure outdoors. We invite you to experience the comfort for yourself.
Please choose your preferred type.
＊＊Basketry in Okinawa＊＊
Okinawa Prefecture includes a number of small islands that were once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, collectively known as the Ryukyu Archipelago.
The archipelago includes the Amami, Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama Islands— with only the Amami group now part of Kagoshima Prefecture.
The plants nurtured on these islands, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, carry hues and qualities distinct from those of other regions of Japan. Shaped by human hands, they have long been transformed into tools for daily life, supporting the lives of the people.
Though each island is small in area, the tropical plants that thrive under the intense blue skies of Okinawa grow vividly and abundantly, providing a rich source of materials for basketry and craft.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This hat was made on Ishigaki Island from the fan palm (Kuba) leaves.
Fan palm, also known by its Japanese name Birō.
In Okinawa, there is a phrase, “Kubanu fanu yuu (蒲葵ぬ葉ぬ世).” It refers to an ancient time when people had no clothing and covered themselves with the fan palm leaves.
The large, durable leaves have been used since ancient times to make everyday items such as straw raincoats, hats, sandals, fans, ladles, and even as roofing materials.
The wood of the fan palm tree itself is also extremely hard, and was used for building structures, the necks of sanshin (string instruments), boat paddles, and koshiki—cylindrical wooden steamers.
From ancient times, the fan palm has been a steadfast companion in island life, providing both shelter and material for daily living.
Here, we introduce two types of hats made from fan palm leaves.
The one on the left in the photo is the Sea type, traditionally worn by fishermen, and the one on the right is the Field type, used by farmers.
Both are worn to protect the head from the sun, rain, and wind, but their shapes differ slightly depending on where—and by whom—they were used.
The structure of both types is the same, made from fan palm leaves and hōraichiku (a type of bamboo), sourced locally from Ishigaki and Kohama Islands.During the weaving process, small splits may appear around the holes where the thread is passed through the fan palm leaves. Minor cracks may also be seen in other parts due to the natural material, but since the hat has a double-layered construction, these do not affect its use. Please note that such characteristics are not considered defects.You may also notice occasional stains or variations in color on the fan palm leaves. These are part of the natural pattern of the material and are not considered flaws. We appreciate your understanding.The rim of the hat is finished with hoteichiku (a type of bamboo) grown on Ishigaki Island.This is the Sea type, traditionally used by fishermen in Okinawa.Its defining feature is the flat top and the steeper slope compared with the Field type.The design helps reduce wind resistance when worn at sea.It is also said that the hat could be turned upside down in emergencies and used as a scoop to bail seawater out of small wooden fishing boats.The hat is made using the broad, uncut center portions of fan palm leaves, which are naturally resistant to water, making them useful for light rain protection as well.The hat is sewn together with strong synthetic thread—the same type used for sewing tatami mats.This is the Field type, used by farmers working in the fields.In Okinawa, where the climate is warm and the sun strong throughout the year, the fan palm hat and fan palm raincoat were essential for agricultural work.The fan palm naturally grows with pleated leaves that spread radially from the center, and this hat makes use of that natural shape in its construction.Inside the hat, the same durable tatami-thread is used. Traditional hats often used round bamboo rods for reinforcement, but by using thread instead, the hat becomes lighter, more durable, and easier to use in daily life.According to the craftsman, the Sea type is the more difficult one to make.
When placed on the head, it feels so light that you almost forget you are wearing it.
It allows you to work freely with both hands, protected from sunlight and light rain—a truly practical design.
The hat reflects attentive craftsmanship— one can sense how carefully it was made, based on listening closely to the people who use it.
Beyond its practicality, its appearance is also remarkably beautiful.
Ideal for farm or garden work, for professional use, or even for leisure outdoors. We invite you to experience the comfort for yourself.
Please choose your preferred type.
＊＊Basketry in Okinawa＊＊
Okinawa Prefecture includes a number of small islands that were once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, collectively known as the Ryukyu Archipelago.
The archipelago includes the Amami, Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama Islands— with only the Amami group now part of Kagoshima Prefecture.
The plants nurtured on these islands, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, carry hues and qualities distinct from those of other regions of Japan. Shaped by human hands, they have long been transformed into tools for daily life, supporting the lives of the people.
Though each island is small in area, the tropical plants that thrive under the intense blue skies of Okinawa grow vividly and abundantly, providing a rich source of materials for basketry and craft.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This hat was made on Ishigaki Island from the fan palm (Kuba) leaves.
Fan palm, also known by its Japanese name Birō.
In Okinawa, there is a phrase, “Kubanu fanu yuu (蒲葵ぬ葉ぬ世).” It refers to an ancient time when people had no clothing and covered themselves with the fan palm leaves.
The large, durable leaves have been used since ancient times to make everyday items such as straw raincoats, hats, sandals, fans, ladles, and even as roofing materials.
The wood of the fan palm tree itself is also extremely hard, and was used for building structures, the necks of sanshin (string instruments), boat paddles, and koshiki—cylindrical wooden steamers.
From ancient times, the fan palm has been a steadfast companion in island life, providing both shelter and material for daily living.
Here, we introduce two types of hats made from fan palm leaves.
The one on the left in the photo is the Sea type, traditionally worn by fishermen, and the one on the right is the Field type, used by farmers.
Both are worn to protect the head from the sun, rain, and wind, but their shapes differ slightly depending on where—and by whom—they were used.
The structure of both types is the same, made from fan palm leaves and hōraichiku (a type of bamboo), sourced locally from Ishigaki and Kohama Islands.During the weaving process, small splits may appear around the holes where the thread is passed through the fan palm leaves. Minor cracks may also be seen in other parts due to the natural material, but since the hat has a double-layered construction, these do not affect its use. Please note that such characteristics are not considered defects.You may also notice occasional stains or variations in color on the fan palm leaves. These are part of the natural pattern of the material and are not considered flaws. We appreciate your understanding.The rim of the hat is finished with hoteichiku (a type of bamboo) grown on Ishigaki Island.This is the Sea type, traditionally used by fishermen in Okinawa.Its defining feature is the flat top and the steeper slope compared with the Field type.The design helps reduce wind resistance when worn at sea.It is also said that the hat could be turned upside down in emergencies and used as a scoop to bail seawater out of small wooden fishing boats.The hat is made using the broad, uncut center portions of fan palm leaves, which are naturally resistant to water, making them useful for light rain protection as well.The hat is sewn together with strong synthetic thread—the same type used for sewing tatami mats.This is the Field type, used by farmers working in the fields.In Okinawa, where the climate is warm and the sun strong throughout the year, the fan palm hat and fan palm raincoat were essential for agricultural work.The fan palm naturally grows with pleated leaves that spread radially from the center, and this hat makes use of that natural shape in its construction.Inside the hat, the same durable tatami-thread is used. Traditional hats often used round bamboo rods for reinforcement, but by using thread instead, the hat becomes lighter, more durable, and easier to use in daily life.According to the craftsman, the Sea type is the more difficult one to make.
When placed on the head, it feels so light that you almost forget you are wearing it.
It allows you to work freely with both hands, protected from sunlight and light rain—a truly practical design.
The hat reflects attentive craftsmanship— one can sense how carefully it was made, based on listening closely to the people who use it.
Beyond its practicality, its appearance is also remarkably beautiful.
Ideal for farm or garden work, for professional use, or even for leisure outdoors. We invite you to experience the comfort for yourself.
Please choose your preferred type.
＊＊Basketry in Okinawa＊＊
Okinawa Prefecture includes a number of small islands that were once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, collectively known as the Ryukyu Archipelago.
The archipelago includes the Amami, Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama Islands— with only the Amami group now part of Kagoshima Prefecture.
The plants nurtured on these islands, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, carry hues and qualities distinct from those of other regions of Japan. Shaped by human hands, they have long been transformed into tools for daily life, supporting the lives of the people.
Though each island is small in area, the tropical plants that thrive under the intense blue skies of Okinawa grow vividly and abundantly, providing a rich source of materials for basketry and craft.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
