<human>:  What is the history of the cowboy hat?
<bot>: The cowboy hat is a form of headwear that has a long and varied history. It originated in Mexico as a type of sombrero worn by Mexican vaqueros during the 18th century. From there, it began to spread northward and eventually gained a foothold in the United States during the 19th century, where cowboys and cattle herders adapted it for their own use. Through its practical use for protection from sun and wind, the cowboy hat became an integral piece of Western apparel and has been an identification of cowboys and the Wild West ever since.