Salako

Even if its usage is strongly rarefied, it is still worn by some fishermen for whom it is a perfect working accessory, protecting against the sun and the rain thanks to its wide edges indeformable by the wind.

The particular silhouette of this headgear is noticeable by far offshore and helps to identify a Saintoise (traditional boat) from les Saintes islands.

The salako does not miss to redo its appearance in the traditional costume of les Saintes islands during the festivities and the representations of the local folklore.

Cloth-covered versions of this headgear were widely adopted by Spanish troops in the early 18th century as lightweight protection against the sun and rain.

[2] The salacco likely arrived at Les Saintes towards the end of the 19th century, on the head of a French naval officer coming back from South-East Asia.