conical hat worn by Mount Koya missionaries
Historical term from the Edo period. Refers to a specific type of hat associated with 高野聖 (Kōya hijiri), itinerant monks from Mount Kōya.
See also: 高野聖 (こうやひじり)
Kōya hijiri wearing conical hats walked the highways of the Edo period.
Compound of 高野 (Kōya, referring to Mount Kōya) and 笠 (kasa, 'hat'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is directly associated with the 高野聖 monks.