Fimbriae
（
θύσανοι; in grammarians also
κροσσοί). Tassels; a fringe. When the weaver had finished any garment on the loom
(see
Tela), the thrums, i.e. the extremities of the
threads of the warp, hung in a row at the bottom. In this state they were frequently left,
being considered ornamental. Often also, to prevent them from ravelling, and to give a still
more artificial and ornamental appearance, they were separated into bundles, each of which was
twisted, and tied in one or more knots. The thrums were thus, by a very simple process,
transformed into a row of tassels. The linen shirts found in Egyptian tombs sometimes show
this ornament along their lower edge, and illustrate, in a very interesting manner, the
description of these garments by Herodotus (ii. 81). Among the Greeks and Romans fringes were
seldom worn except by women (Pollux, vii. 64). We find, however, a long-sleeved tunic with
fimbriae at the wrists, worn by Iulius Caesar (
Iul. 45;
cf. Clavus Latus). Of the manner of displaying them the best idea
may be formed by an inspection of the annexed illustration, taken from a small bronze,
representing a Roman lady who wears an inner and an outer tunic, the latter being fringed, and
over these a large shawl or pallium.
 |
|
Fimbriae. (From an ancient bronze.)
|
Among barbarous nations the upper garment was often worn with a fringe by men.
