With infinite ability, Marcial Montalvo explains the different parts of the hat, the symbols in the hat’s crown, and the techniques in the braids that give shape to this item. Weaving is his daily work and through this he works to preserve and exalt the tradition of the sombrero vueltiao. He never imagined that this emblematic hat, which was traditionally used by Colombian peasant people for protection from the sun, would be as popular as it is today. Important people such as Bill Clinton, John Paul II, Gabriel García Márquez and Alejandro Fernandez have worn this statement hat, and this has made the Tuchín municipality and its crafts tradition become very visible and known worldwide. Today, more than 70% of Tuchín’s people is devoted to growing the crop, harvesting, processing, or weaving Caña Flecha fibre.
Marcial Montalvo