1960s Southeast Asian Handwoven Bamboo Conical Hat 6/272

This vintage Asian conical hat is a traditional style worn across East and Southeast Asia. It is known as a dǒulì in China and a nón lá in Vietnam. Made from woven natural materials, it was designed to provide shade from the sun and protection from rain while working outdoors.

What makes this example particularly interesting is the original Royal Air Force Cabin Identification Tag still attached. This was used to identify personal baggage and cabin luggage carried on RAF transport aircraft.

The handwritten destination reads Brize, referring to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.  The tag is named to Gandon and records flight number 2034.

The combination of the RAF tag dated 1962, and the traditional Asian hat suggests it was brought back to the UK as a personal souvenir by a British serviceman. It was likely purchased while stationed in the Far East before being transported home on an RAF flight during the 1960s or 1970s.

As with all vintage items, signs of age and use are to be expected and form part of its character. It is a great display item for collectors travel souvenirs or Asian antiques.

Height - 22cm 

Diameter - 61cm