05-02-2010, 08:40 PM
Hello everyone,
Hope you are all well.
I have finally plucked up the courage to come out of my 're-enactor closet' and am presenting a demonstration of Roman cosmetics for a forthcoming event at Wall, Lichfield in July. I have been slowly (due to finances) collecting various cosmetic implements and ingredients for my display, and as part of this I will be transforming another volunteer into a well heeled Roman lady of the Flavian era (Lady Drusilla). Initially I was going to be in modern dress, but have decided it would look better if I dressed as an ornatrix (typical! I end up as a slave :x ).
I have the Flavian lady's outfit and hairpiece sorted and am currently working on it (thanks to Deborah Wink for the amazing advice regarding this!) However I am not sure how to portray the ornatrix. I have some plain beige linen-type material which I was going to make into a long belted chiton and wear another plain undertunic beneath. I don't want to look too 'shabby' as this would reflect badly on my 'domina Lady Drusilla's' social image :lol: but I want to make the status between the ornatrix and the Lady fairly obvious to the public by the comparison of my undyed, plain clothes with her nicely coloured ones.
Would this be a correct portrayal ? Or would a Romano-British house slave typically have worn a long plain unbelted long sleeved 'gallic' tunic ? :?
Any advice ?
Thanks!
Hope you are all well.
I have finally plucked up the courage to come out of my 're-enactor closet' and am presenting a demonstration of Roman cosmetics for a forthcoming event at Wall, Lichfield in July. I have been slowly (due to finances) collecting various cosmetic implements and ingredients for my display, and as part of this I will be transforming another volunteer into a well heeled Roman lady of the Flavian era (Lady Drusilla). Initially I was going to be in modern dress, but have decided it would look better if I dressed as an ornatrix (typical! I end up as a slave :x ).
I have the Flavian lady's outfit and hairpiece sorted and am currently working on it (thanks to Deborah Wink for the amazing advice regarding this!) However I am not sure how to portray the ornatrix. I have some plain beige linen-type material which I was going to make into a long belted chiton and wear another plain undertunic beneath. I don't want to look too 'shabby' as this would reflect badly on my 'domina Lady Drusilla's' social image :lol: but I want to make the status between the ornatrix and the Lady fairly obvious to the public by the comparison of my undyed, plain clothes with her nicely coloured ones.
Would this be a correct portrayal ? Or would a Romano-British house slave typically have worn a long plain unbelted long sleeved 'gallic' tunic ? :?
Any advice ?
Thanks!