(Arnulfo Franco/Associated Press)LA PINTADA, Panama — Cultural authorities at UNESCO have recognized the artisans of Panama for their distinctive woven hats. No, not those hats; the famed “Panama hat” comes from Ecuador. The industry’s center is La Pintada, a district about 170 kilometers (105 miles) west of Panama City. Depending on the quality of the work some pintao hats can cost hundreds of dollars. Pedro Mendoza, a 50-year-old hat maker, hopes that the UNESCO recognition takes the pintao hat beyond the country’s borders.

Source: Washington Post December 25, 2017 04:52 UTC