青森県の伝統工芸品（五戸ばおり）

独特の曲線が美しく実用性の高い「五戸ばおり」 

五戸ばおりは江戸時代末期に考案された編み笠の一種で、軽く丈夫なことから農作業などに利用されていた。
イ草の特徴である「水分を含むと網目は閉まり、雨を通さない」性質を活かし、重宝されていた。昭和40年代ごろに安い麦わら帽子などの普及により需要が減ったため、職人の数も少なくなったが、技術は現在に伝えられている。
すべてを手作業で丁寧に作り上げ、つばのふちに細い竹の芯を入れて整える独特のカーブは、見た目が美しいだけでなく視界を確保する実用性も兼ね備えている。



Distinctively but beautifully curvy and highly practical ‘Gonohe Baori’ straw hat

Gonohe baori is a type of braided straw hat that was conceived in the latter part of the Edo period (1603-1867) and, owing to its lightness and durability, was worn by farmers while they worked in the fields.
The Gonohe baori hat utilizes a characteristic of rush grass whereby the stitching tightens up when exposed to water so as to prevent rain from penetrating the hat; hence, it was highly valued. As demand for Gonohe baori hats has decreased due to the popularization of inexpensive straw hats and PVC products in the late 1960s, the number of artisans making Gonohe baori has dwindled. Despite this, the technique used to make Gonohe baori hats continues to be handed down to this day.
Each Gonohe baori hat is carefully handcrafted and its distinct curve, which is formed by inserting a thin bamboo core into the brim of the hat, is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves the practical purpose of stopping the brim from interfering with the wearer’s range of vision.