A Cultural History of Hair in Antiquity

Introduction

• The chapter explores the role of hair in ancient Greek and Roman societies as a symbol of identity and societal norms.
• Anthony Synnott’s framework on hair provides insights into its societal symbolism.

Hair and Identity

• Hair signified identity in ancient Greece and Rome, differentiating gender, age, and social status.
• Greek maidens often had long, abundant hair, depicted in art as ideal for marriage.
• Adolescent boys grew their hair long but cut it short upon reaching maturity.
• Roman hair practices highlighted gender distinctions; women wore long hair while men had short styles.
• Hairstyles in Roman portraiture conveyed imperial identity, with fullness of hair suggesting strength or leadership.

Hair as Social Organization

• Hair was associated with gender roles and societal norms in Greek and Roman cultures.
• Women's modesty was signified through covered hair; unbound hair suggested social deviance or specific states like mourning or childbirth.
• Roman men’s facial hair, such as beards, reflected masculinity and ideological statements.
• Hair length and style on public monuments indicated cultural identity and social status.

Materialization of Power

• Hair and grooming were used to express power, with the clean-shaven look of Alexander the Great setting a new precedent in leadership imagery.
• Romans did not impose hairstyles, but portraiture and grooming were used to symbolize power or subjugation.
• Wreaths and crowns in hair were symbols of victory and power, evolving in purpose and meaning over time.

Hair Practice and Cultural Milestones

• Hair was involved in major life transitions, such as adulthood and marriage, often associated with rituals and dedications.
• Greek children’s hair was often dedicated to gods as an offering during significant life changes.
• Roman and Greek marriage customs included specific hair practices, with veils and crowns symbolizing different aspects of the marriage ritual.
• Hair practices reflected mourning, where norms were inverted to express grief.

Conclusion

• Hair served as a crucial aspect of identity in Greek and Roman cultures, aligning individuals with societal roles and norms.
• The societal practices surrounding hair emphasized differences in gender, age, and social status across cultures and eras.