Labbadeh
Labbadeh
Traditional Lebanese men's headdress
The Labbadeh (Arabic: اللبادة, lit. '"beaten" referring to the felting process in which it is made'),[1] also spelled as Lebbadeh, Lubbaddah, Labbade or Labbada is a conical brimless felt cap traditionally worn by Lebanese men.
It is made from sheep's wool and is usually combined with a black scarf during work and with a white silk scarf for celebratory, leisure and formal events.[1] It is sometimes also given an agal at the top for stability.
The origin of the labbadeh goes back to ancient times, depictions of it were found in Byblos, Kamid al-Lawz, Aleppo and Tel Michal.[2]
The fashion persisted into medieval times among the Maronites of Northern Mount Lebanon,[3] where it was especially useful for its natural water-resistance against rain and providing warmth during the cold winters of the mountain. The labbadeh survived into the modern era still being used by some villagers as well as becoming a national symbol of Lebanon as a part of the traditional folk costume of the country.[4]