Identity: The cloak can also symbolize a person’s identity or personality. In 2 Kings 2:8-14, for example, the prophet Elijah passes his cloak to his disciple Elisha, signifying the transfer of his prophetic ministry and mantle to Elisha. In this sense, the cloak represents the spiritual calling and destiny that God has for each person. Billows, R. (1993) Religious Procession of the Ara Pacis Augustae: Augustus’ supplicatio in 13 B.C. Journal of Roman Studies 6, 80–92. In the Bible, the cloak is often used symbolically to represent different spiritual concepts. Here are some of the most significant symbolic meanings of the cloak: Similarly, in the Book of Revelation, the Beast who embodies false authority and blasphemy is also described as having a cloak with six points on it. When I ran out of weft, I sewed the end in on the underside of the band and threaded a new piece onto the needle, sewed it firm into the cloak and carried on weaving.

In the biblical era, cloaks were not only used for protection from the elements but were also a symbol of prestige and honor. In fact, in some cases, they were given as a mark of distinction or rank and were reserved for people of high status or authority. Outside military wear, fringe was most often employed by the Romans as trim on religious garments. A few sources speak of women wearing a fringed garment in the context of ritual. The rica seems to have been a small cloak (how small is unclear, but small enough to drape over the head – perhaps like a handkerchief). Festus and Paul. ex Fest. state the rica was a four-sided garment ( vestimentum quadratum) and that it was fringed. 32 Festus also states that the rica and the ricula 33 are ‘little ricinia’, little pallia women use for covering the head, and which flaminicae (wives of Roman priests) wear in place of vittae. 34 Festus then goes on to assert that ‘others say that it is made from fresh white wool, that virgins make [it], virgins who are freeborn citizens with fathers and mothers still alive, and that it is dyed with a blue colour’. 35 Varro seems to equate it with a garment for use in sacrificing; in other authors rica seems to have been employed as a synonym for ‘mantle’ or even ‘veil’. 36 The rica was thus a small fringed female garment, sometimes associated with ritual activity and with flaminicae.On the other hand, the nobility would wear long, fringed cloaks known as brat or brata in varying colours. This displayed wealth, and many would be decorated with embroidery or ornate brooches. Fig. 7: Panel of the north frieze, Ara Pacis Augustae, 13 BCE. Louvre, Paris, inv. no. Cp6468. / Photo: author

Olson, K. (2008) Dress and the Roman Woman: Self-Presentation and Society. London and New York, Routledge.

Irish mantles are mentioned by the Burgundian chronicler Laurent Vital in 1518. Here’s what he says, “These men wear and cover themselves in big hair coats, over their heads in the same way as the women in Brabant wear their cloths”. This document was produced by a team within The Vikings re-enactment society. It is not official society policy but I think it is a good starting point for anybody wanting to know what narrow weaving, plaits, cords etc. are suitable for a Dark Age re-enactor, with pictures and references. The guide briefly covers materials, tools, techniques and usage. Of course new material and opinions will come to light and I'm keen to update this document as required. Narrow Wares Guidelines A Beginner's Tutorial The cloak is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing various concepts from protection to authority. By understanding its spiritual significance, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s plan for our lives and how the cloak can represent new beginnings and regeneration.