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.

image of the Khat headdress

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