Neck scarf

[Crispvs]

It is true that triangular scarves are common amongst Roman re-enactors, but that is not the same thing as there actually being evidence for Roman use of triangular scarves. In fact, what evidence there is for Roman scarves shows long scarves of the shape we have all grown up with. Some people have tried to cite the material apparently circling the necks of soldiers depicted on stelae as scarves, but in all likelihood, what are being represented there are hoods which are being worn down.

I do understand the attraction of triangular scarves to those from a Scouting background - I am a Queen's Scout myself (Eagle Scout for any Americans out there) and still serve as a scout leader. The scout scarf though, despite its efficacy for a number of possible uses, many of which the Romans would have understood, is still not evidence for Roman use of triangular scarves.

Therefore, I would strongly recommend that you stick with what the evidence seems to show and utilise a scarf which is long and reasonably narrow (twelve inches wide max). If the scarf you have ordered turns out only to be suitable for use as a triangular scarf, resist the urge to say: 'I've bought it, so therefore I'm going to use it. Instead, put it down to experience and get yourself a new one which is far longer than it is wide. Always go with the evidence and whenever possible, leave assumptions to one side.
Incidentally, tasselled ends are not a problem, as the Romans seem often to have dealt with the issue of fraying warp threads by tying knots into them, thus creating tassels.

For what it's worth, I find a scarf is most useful for protecting the neck from the chafing it would otherwise get from the leather sword baldric.

Crispvs