The pith helmet, also known as the safari helmet, salacot,[a] sola topee, sun helmet, topee, and topi[b] is a lightweight cloth-covered helmet made of sholapith.[1] The pith helmet originates from the Spanish military adaptation of the native salakot headgear of the Philippines.[2][3]
It was often worn by European travellers and explorers in the varying climates found in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the tropics, but it was also used in many other contexts. It was routinely issued to colonial military personnel serving in warmer climates from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century. The headdress remains in use in several military services in the 21st century.
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- ^ "pith helmet". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
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