Egyptian Kilt

**Barry** · 9th February 08, 08:03 AM

In the literature the linen skirts that ancient Egyptian men wore are usually referred to as kilts. Good news - men wear kilts.
However, they seem to bear more resemblance to short sarongs rather than our Scottish kilt. Also I am told that `kilted` means pleated, and these "kilts" certainly were not pleated.

So how wide is the definition of `kilt` and are there any more non scots kilts ( and would you wear one?)?

**Panache** · 9th February 08, 08:16 AM

Barry,

It says someting about the appeal of traditional Highland apparel that the Scottish name for their version of a man skirt, the kilt, has been adopted to describe other man skirts.

Ron (Riverkilt) has previously stated how the Hopi translate the man skirts that they wear for specific dances/functions as a "kilt" though they are not pleated.

The Greek Fustanella is often referred to as a "white pleated kilt".

The same goes for people looking for a good word to describe the garment worn by the ancient Egyptians. (Heck, if you think about it how would you describe the skirt that Kronk wears in the Disney cartoon "the Emperor's New Groove"

Even though the word is used, this doesn't really make any of these garments "kilts" (in regards to the traditional Scottish Highland wear).
They are "kilts" in the broad defination of a skirt for men with only masculine connotations.

Our forum here at XMTS is about Traditional kilts and Modern variants that follow the Scottish tradition of a front apron and pleated back. If you look at our forum rules and even the general statement describing XMTS you will see that these other garments aren't what we are gathered here for.

Cheers

Jamie

**Barry** · 9th February 08, 08:57 AM

Very well put Jamie and thank you. It says much for the manly appeal of kilts that the name is used for other MUGs to give them masculinity.

Sorry to have "crossed the boundaries". I'm happy for the thread to be kicked into touch.
(stands in corner with dunce`s cap on)

**Riverkilt** · 9th February 08, 09:21 AM

There is a Bahanna (White) guy named Mike that lives and teaches high school on the Hopi reservation. He wears kilts to school frequently. Nice guy, we met briefly and have chatted.

I often wear kilts when I'm on the Hopi reservation. But its most obvious that the Hopi differentiate their traditional men's dance garment that they weave themselves from a Scottish kilt from the attention I get from Hopi people when I'm kilted.

Hopi men weave their own material for the garment that translates to "kilt" in English. Its a "best fit" word rather than an accurate word. And the Hopi garment isn't worn for anything other than sacred and social Hopi dances. You wouldn't see a guy working in his yard in one or going to a party in one.

Another view as to how much the Hopi recognize the Scottish kilt as a unique garment is when I am down on the Hopi rez for a dance and walking around it is very common for Hopis to greet me with "Hi Mike."

Because Mike lives on the rez they figure a Bahanna guy in a Scottish Kilt must be Mike.

So while the common word is used for two very seperate garments, for lack of a better linguistic option, there is no confusion between the two garments.

White Hopi "kilt" in center on boy. Most unusual permission was given for photographs of this dance since it was children practicing and not in a Hopi Village square.

Bahanna on the Hopi reservation, Second Mesa at the Hopi Cultural Center. True "kilt" in this Bahanna's clan -"gang colors."

And, Hopi's are aware that Scots also have have a clan system like they do.

Ron

**Ozman1944** · 9th February 08, 09:42 AM

Egyptologists & Archaeologists in general use the term "Kilt" to describe any men's garment that is bifurcated and of short length(usually reaching to the knee or shorter.). If it's too short to be a 'Sarong' 'Toga' etc. then it's defined as a 'kilt'.
The word 'Skirt' implies a woman's garment, so they needed a word for masculine skirted aparrel. So you often read of a 'Scottish Kilt', 'Egyptian Kilt', 'Greek Soldier's Kilt' 'Mesopotamian kilt' etc. When they are not really related at all.

**Arlen** · 9th February 08, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Bahanna on the Hopi reservation, Second Mesa at the Hopi Cultural Center. True "kilt" in this Bahanna's clan -"gang colors."

And, Hopi's are aware that Scots also have have a clan system like they do.

Ron

Quick highjack...
I need to get some hose in that colour to go with my Macdonald modern. That looks good.

**Riverkilt** · 9th February 08, 12:41 PM

Them be Lewis hose from Matt's store. No clue what the color is/was...website will do the job for you though.

Whoa, looking again...maybe not...I found some "regular" kilt hose on sale in a vendor's tent at some Highland games...no clue what brand...might be them instead. Sorry, I do wear the Lewis hose in that near color with my generic Macdonald kilt though.

Ron

**sharpdressedscot** · 9th February 08, 05:12 PM

I've always wanted a Greek/Roman Style kilt... with the cool little border ( I don't know what they're called)

**Downix** · 29th November 08, 12:22 PM

I want to get an egyptian kilt myself. Always look comfortable.

**Panache** · 29th November 08, 01:37 PM

Ahem

Originally Posted by Panache

...Our forum here at XMTS is about Traditional kilts and Modern variants that follow the Scottish tradition of a front apron and pleated back. If you look at our forum rules and even the general statement describing XMTS you will see that these other garments aren't what we are gathered here for.

Cheers

Jamie