Crafting Mongolian Hats: A Chinese Entrepreneur in Hobogsair

Abstract

This video sheds light on a Han Chinese entrepreneur engaged in the business of making Mongolian hats in Hobogsair. According to the tailor, the demand for Mongolian dresses exceeded the supply when he started, establishing a profitable business opportunity. Being a Chinese who lacks knowledge of the Torghut Mongolian hat, he often borrows the Inner Mongolian style. Today, with the proliferation of online resources that individuals can access, the tailor has tended towards more personalised creations for customers. Over the years, his skills in Mongolian hat craftsmanship have evolved significantly, surpassing those of other Mongolian hat makers, and he has monopolised the hat business in the region. While Mongolians remain the primary consumers of Mongolian hats, the tailor notes an increasing number of Chinese customers, particularly travellers, who buy Mongolian hats for decorative purposes or photography rather than for traditional wear. Additionally, the tailor observes a decline in the use of traditional dress among younger Mongolian generations, except during traditional rituals.