Abdul Hashim

Nur Alom

Farming tools

Cycle of rice

Basketry

Basketry (BSK)

Farming

Fishing

Rice cultivation

Tala is the Rohingya version of the classic paddy hat, Asian rice hat, or Asian farmer’s hat — a simple conical hat worn by farmers throughout the rice-growing regions of Asia to protect themselves from the elements. In Arakan, tala is also used in both urban and rural settings by rickshaw drivers, travellers, street hawkers, and outdoor workers exposed to the rain and sun. Nowadays, tala has been replaced by umbrellas or readymade hats but labourers, especially in rural areas, continue to make and use tala. It is easy and inexpensive to make from a range of materials, including bamboo, cane, plastic, and cardboard. It can be made in different sizes, and the string tied under the chin allows for adjustment.