A Cultural History of Hair in Antiquity

The book A Cultural History of Hair in Antiquity explores the role of hair in antiquity, including its significance as a social marker, age identifier, and marker of ethnicity and social norms. It covers a thousand years of history, from Archaic Greece to the end of the Roman Empire, and discusses topics such as religion, fashion, and gender.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

“A rich, intricate, and uniquely idiosyncratic history of hair.” Times Literary Supplement

Hair, or the absence thereof, holds immense importance as a defining characteristic of individuals within any society. Throughout history, hair has wielded a powerful ability to convey a multitude of social messages. This comprehensive volume spans nearly a thousand years, encompassing the era from Archaic Greece to the fall of the Roman Empire. Its focus lies primarily in the regions of Europe, North Africa, and the Near East. Among the key insights explored by the authors is the recognition that in any given society, male and female hair often exhibit contrasting characteristics. Typically, male hair tends to be short, while female hair is long. Moreover, hair serves as a poignant marker of age and stage of life, with children and young individuals sporting longer, more liberated hairstyles, while adult hair is more meticulously controlled. Hair can also be employed to differentiate individuals based on race and ethnicity, as well as those who defy social norms, such as witches and mad women.

The chapters within A Cultural History of Hair in Antiquity delve into a wide range of topics, including:

Religion and Ritualized Belief: Examining the role of hair in religious practices and rituals throughout antiquity.

Self and Society: Exploring how hair shapes and reflects an individual's identity and place within society.

Fashion and Adornment: Analyzing the fashion trends and adornments associated with hair throughout different historical periods.

Production and Practice: Investigating the techniques and methods used to care for, style, and manipulate hair.

Health and Hygiene: Examining the health implications and hygiene practices related to hair throughout antiquity.

Gender and Sexuality: Analyzing the relationship between hair and gender identity, as well as the sexualization of hair in various cultures.

Race and Ethnicity: Discussing the ways in which hair is used to differentiate and categorize individuals based on race and ethnicity.

Class and Social Status: Exploring the correlation between hair and social class, as well as the ways in which hairstyles can convey social status.

Cultural Representations: Examining how hair has been depicted and symbolized in cultural contexts throughout history.

In conclusion, A Cultural History of Hair in Antiquity offers a profound exploration of the multifaceted significance of hair throughout history. By delving into various aspects such as religion, society, fashion, and cultural representations, the book provides a comprehensive and insightful account of the role that hair has played in shaping individuals and societies throughout the ages.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 244 x 170 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350285323