Headdress
Headwear has always served not only to clothe or protect the head, but rather for adornment and/or to display power and status. Prime examples include the tiara, diadems, a crown, a laurel wreath, a turban, but also a hair clip, headbands, and hair sticks. Headwear often also served to differentiate individuals and groups; one could certainly tell a medieval noblewoman's status by her headwear. At weddings today, headwear such as veils is still used to highlight and distinguish the bride. But certain hairstyles, like braided hair wreaths adorned with hair beads, can also be a sign of special status; in this case, Germanic leaders wore such hair ornaments. In the Middle Ages, a crown was the ultimate status symbol and headwear. Even if it wasn't always worn, everyone knew what the crown signified. Today, many people use headwear to distinguish themselves from others or to enhance or reinforce their clothing and appearance.
