User:HDaveno

I am a lay scholar of medieval asian history and the artist behind Lao Hats, historically inspired hats handcrafted from mostly reclaimed materials.

I was a member of a living history organization for about 21 years, during which time I published articles of interest to the medieval reenactment community in local newsletters. Most of those articles can be found in the Library Section of my website. In the interest of adding to a greater community, and so my works may live beyond the confines of my personal website, I have chosen to post a few of the more scholarly works here.

I taught myself how to make hats as a member of that organization, where I was known as Lao, a 13th century persona from the Himalayan Plateau. Fellow historians watched as I turned costume scraps and second-hand furs into hats that were warm, well-made, and historically appropriate. They coined the phrase “Lao Hats” when describing them to their friends.

I continue to have an interest in many things historical, both inside and outside of medieval Asia. My art continues to be influenced by the textiles, paintings and manuscripts of medieval and Renaissance Europe, Russia and Asia, as well as more modern influences from the flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest.

When I am not making hats, I am either reading, or in my garden, or planning my next trip to Europe.