The Phrygian cap, a red, conical hat, was worn in ancient Anatolia and later became a symbol of freedom during the French Revolution. It was given to manumitted slaves in Rome and is still used as a symbolic device in art and on seals and flags of various countries.
The Phrygian cap is a hat named after Phrygia, an ancient kingdom in Anatolia now known as Turkey. This distinctive hat played a role in both Greek and Roman societies, and many European cultures adopted it at some point. During the French Revolution, the cap acquired a special symbolism, becoming an emblem of liberty and liberty. It appears in many works of art, where it is used as a symbolic device.
To the Greeks, the Phrygian cap indicated that someone was not from mainland Greece, as these caps were mostly worn in Anatolia. In Rome, it was given to manumitted slaves when they received their freedom. Someone in this hat, therefore, could be identified as a citizen of the Roman Empire, with all the rights and privileges that entailed. Some people have suggested that since many slaves came from Anatolia, the cap was a symbol that the slave had returned to his roots.
Classically, this hat is red, although other color variations can be found. It’s conical and made from a soft material, causing it to bend, typically forward, rather than stand straight. Even a traditional Phrygian cap has no brim. This basic design makes the hat very easy to create, and that’s probably part of the reason it’s been so popular at various times in history.
The headdress became a symbol during the French Revolution, appearing on the heads of revolutionaries and in revolutionary art. It peaked on the head of Marianne of France, an icon of French statehood and values who is typically depicted wearing this hat. It also appears in seals and artwork of many nations and even on the flags of some countries.
A Phrygian cap can be seen on the seal of the United States Senate, some Liberty Dollars, the coat of arms of Argentina, and many Mexican coins, among other places. While these caps are no longer worn often, many people are familiar with their symbolism, particularly artists and sculptors, who can integrate one into a piece to send a very specific message.
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