Quechuan Woman’s Hat (Montera)

The Quechuan people are descendants of the Inca, the largest pre-Columbian empire in the Americas. The Montera is believed to date back to the Inca culture (1500s). One theory suggests that its design alludes to ancient beliefs (the Inca worshipped the sun god Inti, who was depicted as a golden disk with emanating rays), and was intended to help preserve the Incas’ traditions after they were conquered by the Spanish. Worn today by women throughout the area, the style of Montera can identify the village or region the wearer comes from.