Traditional Hat from Vélez, Santander

The colonial province of Vélez was originally inhabited by the Guane people, whom had one of the most elaborate clothing of their time and were considered among the best weavers in the area. Through Spanish colonization, the indigenous population was obliged to follow the style of clothing worn by the Spanish, but traditional techniques and pattern remain as tradable goods till the 20 Century in the region, expanding the traditional knowledge into new articles of clothing like hats, which became an important part of women traditional clothing.

Women from Vélez worn a basic Spanish influenced dress that was popular during the vice royal period of Colombia, with a wider folded skirt in wool, a white blouse with floral embroidery and a kerchief over the shoulder and representive hat made out fique, additionally all these articles of clothing would be locally made or acquire by women who wear them.