Lebanese hat maker keeps ancient skill alive - in pictures

Hat maker Youssef Akiki inspects traditional labbadeh hats at his workshop. All photos: AFP
Hat maker Youssef Akiki inspects traditional labbadeh hats at his workshop. All photos: AFP
Akiki works in the mountain village of Hrajel in Keserwan-Jbeil province, high in Lebanon's rugged mountains
Akiki works in the mountain village of Hrajel in Keserwan-Jbeil province, high in Lebanon's rugged mountains
Akiki is one of the last craftsmen practising the 1,000-year-old art of making wool caps
Akiki is one of the last craftsmen practising the 1,000-year-old art of making wool caps
Akiki grabs handfuls of sun-dried sheep's wool from his stock to be shaped into hats
Akiki grabs handfuls of sun-dried sheep's wool from his stock to be shaped into hats
The ancient process transforms the wool into a felt-like fabric
The ancient process transforms the wool into a felt-like fabric
Akiki cleaning and processing wool
Akiki cleaning and processing wool
The process is labour intensive and Akiki says he can make 'three labbadehs in one day, at most'
The process is labour intensive and Akiki says he can make 'three labbadehs in one day, at most'
Preparing to shape a traditional labbadeh hat using olive soap
Preparing to shape a traditional labbadeh hat using olive soap
Akiki uses Aleppo soap, which includes olive oil and laurel leaf extracts
Akiki uses Aleppo soap, which includes olive oil and laurel leaf extracts
Akiki shaping a hat
Akiki shaping a hat
Although the hats are practical and warm, few people wear them today
Although the hats are practical and warm, few people wear them today
The hats are more often bought by tourists or Lebanese people nostalgic for times past
The hats are more often bought by tourists or Lebanese people nostalgic for times past
The hats come in off-white, grey, brown or black
The hats come in off-white, grey, brown or black
Akiki and members of his family. He hopes to keep the hat-making tradition alive by teaching his nephews
Akiki and members of his family. He hopes to keep the hat-making tradition alive by teaching his nephews