Pileus (hat)

The pilleus is worn on the crown cap made ​​of felt.

Name

Pilleus is the Latin name for this headgear (plural: pillei ). The Greek word was πῖλος ( Pílos ) and originally referred to simply the material felt.

History

This cap was originally probably from Asia Minor, but came afterwards before both in Greek and in the Roman culture. In ancient times the pilleus was mainly worn by sailors, fishermen and artisans. He was especially known because freed slaves in ancient Rome were put on this hat after their release. During the French Revolution the pilleus was confounded with the Phrygian cap, which thus became the symbol of freedom.

In analogy to the fishermen soon the Christian clergy was suitable to pilleus (see Pileolus ).

Presence

The Albanians now carry a white felt cap, which they call Plis or Qeleshe. Also in Svaneti are white Filzkappen common.

• Kostümkunde Ancient Greece
• Cap
• Kostümkunde Roman antiquity