Himation, mantle or wrap worn by Greek men and women from the Archaic through the Hellenistic periods (c. 750–30 bce). A very large rectangle of fabric, the himation was draped in different ways—e.g., as a shawl, a cloak, or a head covering—during various periods.
What is the purpose of a himation?
As an unshaped rectangle of wool, the himation could be arranged in a variety of ways and served as an important means of nonverbal communication. A properly arranged himation conveyed elite status, while garments in disarray created opportunities for bodily display in homosexual and heterosexual courtship.
Who wore Himation?
Both Greek men and women wore an outer garment called a himation (hi-MA-tee-on) beginning as early as the sixth century b.c.e. Although made in various dimensions, himations generally were large rectangular pieces of fabric arranged around the body in a variety of different ways.
Who wore himation and chitons?
Himations were popular with men until the end of the Archaic Period, around 500 B.C.E. , when the himation became most frequently worn by women. Greek women wore himations in public as warm cloaks over their thin Ionic chitons (a type of tunic).
How do you wear a Greek himation?
Wearing styles
When worn by men, the himation is draped over the left shoulder and wrapped around the rest of their body, except for their right arms. For women, the himation allows for either the right or the left arm to be freed from the garment.
What is a Greek chlamys?
The Greek chlamys (worn only by men) was a short mantle draped around the upper shoulders, pinned on the right shoulder with a brooch. It left the right arm free and was often used by travellers and military men.
What is the difference between chiton himation and peplos?
The two most common pieces of clothing worn by women were the peplos and the chiton. Both are long tunics that reached from neck to foot. … The difference between a chiton and a peplos was that before pinning, the cloth was folded over at the top, creating an extra “over-drape.”
What are Greek hats called?
hat. Share Give Feedback. By The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica View Edit History. Petasos, also spelled Petasus, wide-brimmed hat with a conical crown worn in ancient Greece.
How do you pronounce the word himation?
noun, plural hi·mat·i·a [hi-mat-ee-uh].
What did ancient Greek royalty wear?
All ancient Greek clothing was made out of natural fibers. … However, noble citizens wore bright colors to express their wealth as dyed clothing was more expensive. The clothing for both men and women generally consisted of two main parts: a tunic and a cloak.
Do people still wear chitons?
Unfortunately, there are no surviving chitons from ancient Greece, but artwork produced at the time allows us to have an understanding of the garments and its function. The chiton was a draped garment, as many Greek garments were.
Are chitons edible?
Human use. Chiton magnificus is edible. Although relatively uncommon, it is one of the few commercially important chitons in its range, others being the even larger, up to 23 cm (9.1 in), spiny Acanthopleura echinata and the smaller, up to 4.5 cm (1.8 in), brownish Chiton granosus.
How long does a chiton live?
They have a very muscular foot, and when disturbed, can clamp down so that they cannot be dislodged unless their shell is smashed. Chitons can live for one to twenty years, or more.
How do you drape a chiton?
Blouse the hem of the chiton until it comes just above the person’s knees. Wrap the cloth around the person’s body, like with a chiton, but only pin the cloth over his right shoulder. That’s it. This piece of clothing is a simple cloak.
What is Roman toga?
Toga, characteristic loose, draped outer garment of Roman citizens. Adopted by the Romans from the Etruscans, it was originally worn by both sexes of all classes but was gradually abandoned by women, then by labouring people, and finally by the patricians themselves.
