CLOTHING OF CRETAN CIVILIZATION

By- Vikash Kumar Vimal A.D, Sem- 4

INTRODUCTION The island of Crete is located in the center of the eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Cretan or Minoans, who lived on the Greek island of Crete between 3000 and 1600 B.C.E. , had a very complex culture, more advanced than many of the societies that followed it. This complexity is shown in the artistically designed and skillfully made clothing they wore. Much of our knowledge of this clothing comes from artwork that has been found at the sites where the Minoans lived, thousands of years before most recorded history MENS CLOTHING Ancient Minoan men wore only loincloths, which were small pieces of fabric wrapped around the waist to cover the genitals. However, even these small garments were made with much attention to detail. Loincloths were made from a wide variety of materials, such as linen, leather, or wool, and decorated with bright colors and patterns. Many had a decorative pagne or sheath that covered and protected the penis, and some had long aprons in the front and back with tassels or fringe. While early Minoan men usually went bare-chested, in the later years of the Minoan civilization men often wore simple tunics and long robes.

Minoan men in Lion cloth and kilts.

WOMENS CLOTHING women's costume, including blouses and skirts that closely resembled modern women's clothing. Minoan women wore skirts that flared out from the waist in a bell shape, with many decorations attached to the cloth. Later designs were made from strips of fabric, sewn in ways that created rows of ruffles from waist to ankle. Women also wore close-fitting blouses that were cut low in the front to expose the breasts. A tiny waist was prized, and both men and women wore tight belts made of metal, which held their waists in. Some historians believe that these belts must have been worn since early childhood, forcing the waist to stop growing.

Women's in blouse and skirt.

Paintings showing Women s clothing.

The statue depict bare- breasted woman Wearing garment resembling modern Corset and Crinoline. This staue gives A lot of information about clothing of woman at that period.

"Snake Goddess" figurine from Knossos Palace

This illustration showing Minoan queen s costume. Details of costume is given below: 1.Full length tiered skirt in red. 2.Purple corset trimmed with spiral pattern ribbon. 3.Satin bolero jacket. 4.Cord in caynenne red. 5.Greek goddess wig with gold bead and metallic Ribbon source: The epic of man,Life magzine,1961

REFRENCES

www.greeklandscap.com,acced www.takebackhallowean.org www.nmia.com www.hornytimestraveller.wordpress.com