The Phrygian cap is a hat named named for Phrygia, an ancient kingdom in Anatolia, now known as Turkey. This distinctive hat played a role in both Ancient Greek and Roman societies, and many European cultures adopted the cap at some point. During the French Revolution, the Phrygian cap acquired special symbolism, becoming an emblem of liberty and freedom. You can probably find numerous examples of Phrygian caps on the walls of museums, as they are often utilized as symbolic devices in art.

For the Greeks, the Phrygian cap indicated that someone was not from mainland Greece, as these hats were worn primarily in Anatolia. For the Romans, the Phrygian cap acquired additional symbolism, because it was given to manumitted slaves when they received their freedom. Someone in a Phrygian cap, therefore, could be identified as a citizen of the Roman Empire, with all the rights and privileges that entailed. Some people have suggested that since many slaves came from Anatolia, the Phrygian cap was a symbol that the slave had returned to his or her roots.

Classically, the Phrygian cap is red, although other color variants can be seen. It is a conical cap made from a soft material, which causes the cap to bend, typically in a forward direction, rather than standing straight up. A traditional Phrygian cap also has no brim. This basic design, as you can imagine, makes the Phrygian cap very easy to create, and this may be why the caps have been so popular at various points in history.

The symbolism of the Phrygian cap was heavily utilized during the French revolution, as the caps appeared on the heads of revolutionaries and in revolutionary art. It reached a pinnacle on the head of Marianne of France, an icon of the French state and values who is typically depicted with a Phrygian cap. The Phrygian cap also appears in seals and works of art from numerous nations, and even on the flags of a few countries.

You can find a Phrygian cap on the seal of the United States Senate, on some Liberty Dollars, on the coat of arms of Argentina, and featured on many Mexican coins, among numerous other places. While Phrygian caps are not often worn anymore, many people are familiar with their symbolism, especially artists and sculptors, who may integrate a Phrygian cap into a piece to send a very specific message.