Khat (apparel)

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.

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.

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.

Archaeological examples made of linen have been found.

References

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