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Clothing and Adornment of the Ancient Celtic

According to my research the ancient Celtic, an amalgamation of numerous enthic groups, similar by language. Mirged into a single enthic group, over a long period of time. I believe they began their migration, out of the Steppes of Russia about the 24th century bc.. As they migrated their clothing changed according to the demands of the climate, environment, and landscape. By the 9th century bc, they occupied the whole of Europe, including the Britannic Islands. By the 6th century bc., they were wearing woven cloth of their own manufacture. The Celtic were a very artistic and industrialy advanced people.

NOTE: The focus of this paper will be on that period time, when they occupied the area known as Ireland.

The clothing of ancient Ireland, was that which is conducive to their environment. And, is somewhat different than that of the other Britannic islands.

The only real variance to their clothing, was the addition of trousers to the ensembal. Where-as in Ireland, the men wore a long tunic [le'ine]that reached the knees and the lower legs were wrapped with ether a light leather for summer of fur for winter.

The women wore a loose tunic blouse [also call le'ine] and full skirt or a full length loose tunic dress, with a pinafore type over garment, this was the only clothing worn, except for enclimate weather. When both sexes wore clocks that fastened at the left shoulder, with a brooch [penannalar], clasp, or buckle.

The men, usually those of high rank wore a cloak [brat], attached at the right shoulder or in the center of the chest. Accounts seem to disagree over the exact discription of this garment. Other than, it was usually rectangular and large enough to provide protection in en-climate weather.

Research indicates that they favored bright colors; those most refered to are - purple, crimson, and green. Blue, black, yellow, and speckled [or checked].

The most common adornment worn by both men and women was the Torquel. It was worn sometimes by the commoners, but, all the time by those of high rank. It was worn both around the neck and around the wrist. When they went to war, they striped down completely except for the torquel. Earings and tattoos were very common.

This torquel is made from twisted brass and copper with semi-precious stones set into the ferrals.