Moro Hat/Helmet????
 

About 18" diameter. Trying to decide authenticity. Finial is sheet aluminum. Wood appears to be something like mahogany. Rattan looks good condition. Inside of hat is hand chiseled out.

Opinions as to authenticity?

My opinion, wood looks too heavy to be on a persons head. It would be too exausting to wear for an extended time. It should be made of light wood just like the Taming's. It looks nice.

What was it's purpose, to deflect the sun rays or heavy blows to the noggin?



A silver finial on a wooden Moro hat.

It is not all that heavy. I guess it could be used as both. Is it otherwise correct. Seems someone went to a lot of trouble to make this. Not so flashy to be tourist. But I can't find any full size pictures that look like it.

Bill, I agree with you that it is correct. I have not seen too many of these. Yours might be newer than mine. I would move on it. It's complete. I really like the inside rattan weaving. Mine is missing it.

My hats dimensions are, dia. 15", height to the top of the finial 7".
I'm not too sure about the embellishments accompanying the finial, it might be a later addition. Upsidedown it looks like a wooden bowl, who know it might have been originally. :shrug:

Inside Wear
 

The wear and dirt build up on the inside rattan look very good and a strong indication of use.

rand