Blang People’s Tile Roof Hat

Blang People’s Tile Roof Hat

　　Along the over 130-kilometer canyon where the Lancang River flows through Yun County, there live tens of thousands of ancient Blang people in village after village. These Blang people still retain their complete traditional ethnic customs. The Tile Roof Hat is a type of children’s hat (also known as a headpiece) passed down from ancient times among the Blang people. It is made in the shape of a tiled roof that sheds water on all four sides, hence the name "Tile Roof Hat."

　　The origins of the Blang People’s Tile Roof Hat date back to ancient times and carry the blessings and care of ancestors for their descendants. As human society has continued to progress, the legends surrounding the Tile Roof Hat have become a modern expression of remembrance toward ancestors among the Blang people. Today, the Tile Roof Hat has become a symbol of sincere blessings from elders to children, carrying more meanings. The roof-like top that sheds water on all four sides symbolizes peace throughout the four seasons, while the six corners signify smoothness in all things and safety in every matter. Different parts of the entire Tile Roof Hat represent different meanings, further highlighting its unique charm. Items such as garlic and peach kernels wrapped inside the tassel ball are traditional folk remedies, believed to have health benefits such as repelling insects and snakes, and calming the nerves. According to Li Shuying, an 85-year-old Blang elder from Ben Tian Group in Manghuai Township, she has worn a Tile Roof Hat since childhood and still has keen hearing and eyesight. She can thread needles and even sew beautiful Tile Roof Hats for children to wear.

　　The Tile Roof Hat consists of two main parts: the top and the brim, and is divided into boys’ and girls’ versions, with the girls’ version featuring brighter colors. Its craftsmanship involves seven steps: first, gluing small fabric scraps together with mashed taro paste, then drying them to form a stiff fabric shell; second, cutting the stiff fabric shell into five pieces according to size; third, embroidering various patterns on them; fourth, sewing the four embroidered small pieces together to form the hat top; fifth, attaching lace trim to the edges of each piece; sixth, sewing them together with the brim; seventh, wrapping various symbolic items in small fabric squares, then sewing them into a six-pointed tassel ornament and attaching it along with floral decorations to each corner of the hat top—thus completing the basic Tile Roof Hat.

　　The Tile Roof Hat of the Blang people in Yun County not only represents the sincere blessings of the elders for the younger generation but also serves as an exquisite handicraft with distinctive Blang ethnic characteristics due to its fine embroidery, vibrant colors, and unique design. It holds certain value and significance in preserving and promoting traditional ethnic and folk culture.