Production

Carnaúba, a palm tree very present in the states of Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte and Piauí, is a valuable source of income. All parts of this plant are used. Its greatest withdrawal value is the extraction of wax (fat), which has a high added value. Among these three mentioned states, only the city of Sobral has a history of using straw to produce hats. A long time ago, around the 1900s, the activity of producing the cover by artisans was a way of life, and passed from generation to generation. A very present practice in the city, the exchange of the cover for food products, has become something ingrained in the society of Sobral. In addition, many families from Sobral managed to obtain financial ascension, in the sale of the hat. Thus, we can say that the hat has a very important cultural and historical value, passing on artisanal work practices, and providing sustenance to many families.