Panama hat been made in Panama. They originated in Ecuador where they are made to this day. Historically, throughout Central and South America, people referred to Panama hats as “Jipijapa,” “Toquilla,” or “Montecristi” hats at the time (the latter two phrases are still in use today). Since the name "Panama hats" logically implies these hats come from Panama, Ecuador rarely receives credit for the invention or production of this famous hat.Ecuador's low tourism and international trade levels during the 1850s prompted hat makers to take their crafts to the busy trade center of Panama. There, the hat makers were able to sell
Panama ingredients are maize, rice, wheat flour, plantains, "yuca" (cassava), beef, chicken, pork and seafood. Panamanian men's traditional clothing, called "montuno", consists of white cotton shirts, trousers and woven straw hats. The traditional women's clothing is the "pollera". It originated in Spain in the 16th century, and by the early 1800s it was typical in Panama, worn by female servants, especially wet nurses ("De Zarate" 5). Later, it was adopted by upper-class women. A "pollera" is made of "cambric" or "fine linen" (Baker 177). It is white, and is usually about 13 yards of material. The original "pollera" consists of a