Perizoma (loincloth)

Greek athletes wearing perizoma loincloths boxing

Perizoma (Greek περίζωμα, plural; perizomata) is a type of loincloth that was worn in Ancient Greece. The perizoma was typically worn by manual laborers or athletes.[1] This garment could be worn independently or with a short chiton or even underneath a longer chiton.[1] Homer references the perizoma in his epic, The Illiad underscoring its role in ancient Greek dress.[2]

The perizoma is thought to have originated with the Minoan civilization in Crete. Surviving depictions show it being worn by male and female acrobats (for example, in the Bull-Leaping Fresco).[3][4]

A perizoma was possibly worn by Jesus during his crucifixion. It is a standard feature of the crucifixion in the arts. However, the Roman custom was to crucify victims naked, and there is no evidence to suggest that Jesus was an exception.[5] Perizoma was likely added by later artists to preserve modesty (see fig leaf) and first appeared in the 8th century.[6] Aachen Cathedral claims to have the actual relic of the perizoma, preserved inside the Marienschrein reliquary.[7]

  1. ^ a b Tortora, Phyllis G.; Eubank, Keith (1994). A Survey of Historic Costume: A History of Western Dress. Fairchild Publications. p. 57. ISBN 978-1-56367-003-9.
  2. ^ Poliakoff, Michael B. (1987-01-01). Combat Sports in the Ancient World: Competition, Violence, and Culture. Yale University Press. pp. 165–166. ISBN 978-0-300-06312-7.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference bonfa was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference condra was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference tombs was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference vilad was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference nicke was invoked but never defined (see the help page).