You might not guess it, but these hats — considered by many to be the unofficial national symbol of Bolivia — have their roots in (of all places) Europe. The bowler hat, also known as a derby hat, was designed and created by hat makers in London in the 1800s. They were designed to provide gamekeepers with a hat that would remain atop their heads as they rode horses under low branches. It’s been popular in Bolivia since the 1920s. For more about the history and meaning of the bowler, watch our video from Bolivia.
- Ivette Feliciano
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