There is a fair amount of depictions of men (specifically Augustus Caesar, it would seem) with their head covered by what seems to be their toga in Ancient Roman art.
Flamines, Agrippa with veiled head; behind him, members of the imperial house.
Bronze statue of priest in toga
Anybody has any more info about this fashion/style of dress? What was its significance/symbolism? (Perhaps signifying the function of the Pontifex Maximus?) Would men go around town with their heads covered, as the women did? Or at least some men, on certain occasions? Or did come down to personal preference and fashion? Thanks :)
edit: I found an Etruscan fresco with a similarly veiled man - Tiresias? in the Underworld
edit: Thank you all for answers! Capite velato, and priests. Will google some more! :)
Well, the thing connecting all of these images is that they depict religious ceremonies, and indeed having one's head covered was part of their customary protocol in ancient Rome--much as wearing a nice shirt and long pants is protocol for church today. Anybody who wants to argue that this demonstrates a dichotomy between praxis based ancient religion and faith based modern religion has never been barred from entering a church because they wear the wrong pants!
The only other situation in which men cover their heads is as a sign of grieving, although I wouldn't elevate that to any sort of "customary" status. Also I suppose when it is raining.
