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.
Bontok
fallakat. This small bamboo hat is worn on the back of the head by males
(who make their own); it is mainly decorative on a young man, and serves as
a pouch or pocket for older ones.
Field worker's hat of uncertain provenience; probably from
the South. Resilient exterior is woven abaca.
