Quite distinct from the spiral is the old Babylonian cloak, which was
thrown over the left shoulder, passed under the right armpit, and hung
down, leaving sufficient freedom for the legs. It is often decorated
with a fringed border from top to bottom. In time this mantle covered
both shoulders and assumed sleeves, and in one form or another it is
frequently represented. So Jehu's tribute-bearers wear short sleeves,
trimmed border, and the general effect could even suggest an Assyrian
dress (see fig 9). Not unlike this is the style on the bilingual Hittite
boss of Tarkudimme, where the skirt ends in a point nearly to the ground
and one leg stands out bare to the front--the very favourite attitude.
Long fringed robes were worn by Hittites of both sexes, and the women
represented at Mar'ash and Zenj[=i]li wear it hung over the
characteristic Hittite cylindrical head-dress (fig. 10). On the other
hand, the unhappy females of Lachish have a long plain mantle which
covers the head and forehead (fig. 11), and the same principle recurs in
modern usage, where the tunic will be supplemented by a veil or shawl
which (generally bound to the head by a band) frames the face and falls
back to the waist. A large mantle could thus serve as a veil, and
Rebekah covered her face with her square or oblong wrapper on meeting
Isaac (Gen. xxiv. 65). Veiling was ceremonial (1 Cor. xi. 5), and
customary on meeting a future bridegroom or at marriage (see Gen. xxix.
23-25). Nevertheless veils were not usually worn out of doors, the
countrywoman of to-day is not veiled, and it is uncertain whether there
is any early parallel for the yashmak, the narrow strip which covers the
face below the eyes and hangs down to the feet.
[Illustration: FIG. 8.--Assyrian Officers.]
[Illustration: FIG. 9.--Israelite Tribute-bearers introduced by two
Assyrian Officers.]
[Illustration: From _Der alte Orient_, by permission of J. C.
Hinrichs'sche Buchhandlung.