POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Chullo hat from Peru

Object No. 2011/44/20

The chullo is a traditional type of Peruvian hat characterised by its wool material and ear flaps (with either a peaked or rounded top). They were made and worn to protect against the colder weather conditions typical of the Andes using the wool of native South American llamas and alpacas, and also sheep. The popularity of chullos have extended beyond Peru and are fashionably worn throughout other Western countries, especially as part of snow apparel. This knitted woollen cap forms part of an extensive collection of textiles, dress and handiwork assembled from 1953 to 2001 by Mrs Helen McLeod Crocker, traveller and collector. Almost thirty countries are represented in the collection including Afghanistan, Australia, Bali, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Central America, Central Asia, China, Europe, India, Japan, Kenya, Lao, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Salvador, Somalia, South America, Syria, Thailand, The Ivory Coast, Turkey and Yemen. Helen was very selective in the objects she acquired and the inspiration for her collection originated from her desire to preserve the true essence of the societies she encountered.