The history of the form remains open to interpretation. Some scholars have described it as a relatively brief fashion of the eighteenth century, while archaeological evidence points to a much deeper history within Nuu-chah-nulth and neighbouring territories. Examples recovered from the Ozette site in Makah territory date to around 1500, confirming that the style predates Maquinna by approximately three centuries. Related hat forms may have been present in the region for nearly 3,000 years.

For other known examples by the artist that give us this attribution, see Jessie Webster, Whaler’s Hat (ciapuxas), 1960s, red cedar bark, grass and fern stem, 9 1/2 in. high × 9 1/4 in. diameter, Seattle Art Museum, Gift of Sylvia Duryee, object no. 95.84.; and Maquinna Hat (Whaler’s Hat), probably 1960s, swamp grass, cedar root, cedar bark and aniline dye, 9.25 × 10.75 × 10.75 in., sold at First Arts, 9 May 2024, Lot 52.