Khat (apparel)

The Wilbour Plaque, ca. 1352-1336 B.C.E., 16.48, Brooklyn Museum; On the left is the head of a king, most probably a representation of Akhenaten, who wears the baglike khat headdress with a royal uraeus. Opposite him is the head of a queen wearing the ovoid cap crown often worn by Nefertiti, also with a uraeus.

The khat was a head cloth worn by the nobility of Ancient Egypt. Simpler than the nemes head-dress, it did not have pleats or stripes, and hung down open in the back rather than being tied together.^[1]

History

The khat dates to the reign of the First Dynasty king Den at least. On an ivory label found at Abydos, Den is shown wearing the khat and brandishing a mace.^[2]

Archaeological examples made of linen have been found.^[3]

References

• Toby A. H. Wilkinson, Early Dynastic Egypt, Routledge 1999

Notes

1. ↑ Brooklyn Museum online Ancient Egypt glossary. Accessed March 29, 2006.
2. ↑ Wilkinson, op.cit., p.196
3. ↑ Griffith Institute: Carter Archives - 256-4pbi. Accessed January 8, 2012.