Hats

The elaboration of headgear is one of the most colorful aspects of Filipino society, but it also appears to be a comparatively recent development. The only headwear mentioned by the Spaniards was a wide cloth band wound about the head, called a potong. This was elaborated by different tribes in different ways, but was generally used by males to advertise prowess in warfare; after he had killed his first man in combat, a warrior was allowed to wear a red potong, to which later decorations were added to indicate additional feats. The potong is also known in parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.

The greatest variety of hats is probably found among lowland peoples.

Warrior in potong Tingguian or Ilokano gourd hat Sulu helmet made of pandanus from Jolo Island. Tausug or Samal Small bamboo hat Field worker's hat of uncertain provenience Bikolano field hat Decorative Sulu hat; exterior is woven abaca fiber. Field hat of twilled bamboo Another abaca hat Decorative hat from the south Sulu hat. Sulu hat Raffia hat Fancy bamboo hat Bamboo hat Hat with painted scene Palm leaf hat Tapa rain hat Tapa rain hat

Salakots

The nipa palm hat Person working on craft hat
Most salakots are made from ibus, the young, unopened leaves of the nipa palm (lygodium).