Peplos

Acropole Musée Athéna pensante

Exaltation fleur Louvre Ma701

Peplos scene BM EV

Istanbul - Museo archeologico - Mostra sul colore nell'antichità 02 - Foto G. Dall'Orto 28-5-2006sm

Athena Parthenos Louvre Ma91

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Peplofora, Neo-Attic, 50 BC to 50 AD, marble - Galleria Borghese - Rome, Italy - DSC04821

Peplos (or peplos) refers to a type of ancient Greek clothing worn by women and girls from the Archaic Period through the Hellenistic Period (circa 750–30 BC). It is a body-length garment established by folding and wrapping fabric around the body, typically fastened at the shoulders with pins or brooches and belted under the bust, creating a bloused effect over the belt.

Description

The peplos was made from a rectangular piece of cloth, often wool, that was folded over along the upper edge before being wrapped around the body. The top fold, called the apoptygma, sometimes extended down to cover the belt or girdle that cinched the peplos at the waist. The garment was open down one side, though it could be fastened with pins or buttons. The length of the peplos could vary, with some versions reaching from the shoulders to the ankles, while others were shorter, stopping just below the knees.

Historical Context

The peplos is closely associated with ancient Greek culture and iconography, often depicted in sculptures, vases, and frescoes of the period. It was a garment that signified femininity and was primarily worn by women and girls of various social standings. The simplicity of its form and the ease with which it could be adjusted made it a versatile piece of clothing suitable for various activities and climates.

Cultural Significance

In ancient Greek society, clothing was a significant indicator of status, and the peplos was no exception. The material, color, and intricacy of the weave could signify the wearer's social status. During certain festivals, such as the Panathenaic Festival dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, a specially woven peplos was presented to Athena's statue as part of the religious ceremonies, highlighting the garment's cultural and religious significance.

Variations

While the basic design of the peplos remained relatively consistent, there were variations. For example, the Doric peplos was typically more straightforward, fastened at the shoulders with pins. In contrast, the Ionic peplos could have sleeves and was often more elaborately decorated. These variations reflected not only personal taste but also the evolving styles of different Greek regions and periods.

Legacy

The peplos has left a lasting impact on the study of ancient Greek culture and fashion. It is a subject of interest for historians, archaeologists, and fashion scholars, providing insight into the daily lives, social structures, and aesthetic preferences of ancient Greeks. The garment's design has also inspired modern fashion, with peplos-like silhouettes appearing in contemporary clothing collections.