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The toga was draped on the figure by starting with point A at the left foot; the straight edge was taken over the left shoulder and arm, B. It was then passed across the back, and hung loose under the right arm, D, across the chest, over the left shoulder and arm again, E, with the remaining portion hanging down the back, finishing at point F. Having arranged the toga as described, it will be found that the straight edge at D under the right arm can be made, by turning it over, to form a second piece of curved drapery over the right upper leg. This is called the "sinus." Also, if the straight edge of the first portion (which passes over the left shoulder at B) is pulled out, and pouched over the top part which also crosses the left shoulder, the draped effect is obtained. This part, called the "umbo," was often used to envelop the right hand. The loose portion c at the back of the right shoulder was often drawn up over the shoulder, and attached to the belt at the waist, so as to form a sort of sleeve. It was also the custom to utilise this loose portion c alternatively as a head-covering; and it was in use for this purpose during all religious ceremonies—it also served as a protection from bad weather.
The toga praetexta was used by noble youths. It had a straight band of purple or scarlet on the white toga. This toga praetexta, according to tradition, was also worn exclusively by kings at an earlier period. In later Republican times it was the distinctive garment worn by the higher magistrates (curule) and senators. It was awarded as a badge of `rank`.

Author

Costume and Fashion
The evolution of European dress through the earlier ages
By Herbert Norris
Published in 1924
Available at archive.org

Posted on

Monday 14 September 2020

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896*1472

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• Ancient / Ancient Rome

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