Abstract:
Europe and Asia, two principal zones of integration, had their
universal changeable styles in architecture, clothing etc. When affiliated
to Hellenistic Orient, Georgians were dressed in Persian-style
clothing. When affiliated to “Byzantine Commonwealth” (East European
world), Georgians were dressed in Byzantine-style clothing.
Modern Georgia means Modern style. The story is depicted on Georgian
coins.
a) Georgian dressed in Persian-style clothing is shown on the
coins of Bagadat, son of Biurat, duke of Klarjeti (Southwest Georgia).
I and II types. Second half of the 3rd c. B.C.
b) Georgians dressed in Byzantine-style clothing are shown on
David IV’s (king of Georgia) copper coin, type – king in Imperial coat,
1118-1125; coin of Giorgi IV (king of Georgia) – king in Imperial dress,
1210; coins with the effigy of two Davids (David Ulugh and David Narin,
kings of Georgia), 1261-1262.
Wearing or shaving the facial hair has been more a matter of
fashion, than something else. Georgians favoured beard and mustache
during the whole Feudal period as seen on the coins of Bagadat,
son of Biurat (Obverse: head of Bagadat, bearded, with moustache),
David IV’s copper coin, type – king in Imperial coat (Obverse:
bust of bearded king in Imperial coat), coins of Giorgi III (king of
Georgia) – king with falcon on hand, 1174 (Obverse: bearded king
in Asian-Byzantine dress), coins of Giorgi, king of Imereti (Western
Georgia). I type. 1565-1585 (Obverse: head of bearded man in jewelled
crown).
Like everywhere in Europe, beard and mustache were beloved
in Georgia in the second half of the 19th c.-beginning of the 20th c.
Prominent figures of this period are represented now on the Georgian
banknotes.
