Chilean Horsehair Art Adorns Qatar Polo Hats

In the Chilean village of Rari, a generations-old tradition of crafting objects from horsehair, known as crin, was showcased internationally. Artisans meticulously molded coarse horsehair fibers into delicate flowers for 50 women's hats. These creations traveled to Qatar for the closing events of the 2025 Qatar Years of Culture, specifically for exhibition polo matches held from December 11-13, 2025.

The initiative was conceived by Maha Al Shebani to add a unique element to Qatar's burgeoning polo scene, drawing inspiration from British equestrian fashion. Working with Chilean designer María Francisca Alarcón, the hats were designed to be festive, adaptable, and respectful of Qatari modesty, incorporating maroon, the color of the Qatari flag, and adaptable to hijabs.

The crin craftsmanship itself boasts a history of over 120 years, originating in Rari and nearby villages. The process involves dyeing and strengthening horsehair strands before artisans meticulously shape them by hand, a labor-intensive technique refined over centuries. The 150 flowers created for the event were a testament to this enduring artisanal heritage.