I have a query as a vindolanda mud virgin...... what is the expected requirement for headwear for the new and inexperienced?

Are there rules and even etiquette for the wearing of digger hat gear?

For example does the width of ones brim indicate some level of seniority or experience?

Does the choice of colour or style affect your standing within a dig?

What does one choose as a first time digger - the plethora of photos lean towards an indiana jones/green thingy style. Is it acceptable for a vindo virgin to wear such obvious digging attire?

In terms of a none digger moving towards the mud sifter realm one feels one should tread carefully so as not to appear....foolish. Normally i expect most would go for the option of a tasteful baseball cap. However this puts myself at the disadvantage of looking like a 12 year old.....any thought?

Incidentally just as a side, the wearing of archaeological attire during a formal Twice Brewed quiz is generally frowned upon by the Quiz panel.

Many thanks in advance for your help in these matter

The Glue

I find that the old standby of a T-shirt draped over the head and tied like a bandana works well. It has notes of Lawrence of Arabia tied with a certain geek-mystique.

Baseball caps are good in a pinch, as long as they're not the New York Yankees... Sandy... And if you fear ageism, please note that many archaeologists also like sporting the shaggy facial-hair look. A one-week beard growth and baseball cap tells the world you mean business.

- Harry

Harry,

I am happy with the look suggested, but i suspect a certain other digger would be very unhappy with my apperance - still i could give it a try..........

This is an interesting question, and one which kept me awake nights at the local B&B.

First I opted for the rugged no-hat look, but a balding head under the June sun put a stop to that.

Then I opted for the Stetson/bush hat look. But to carry that off, you'd best be either 1) American, 2) Australian, or 3) one of the archaeologists. I fit criterion (1) and have spent much time out West and in Texas, so that's okay.

However, it's actually best if you're an archaeologist of mixed ancestry.

So, you see, national origin will heavily militate in any decision concerning your headgear, though I confess I didn't see any French in berets this time, eg. But hey, it was my first experience, so perhaps next year....

Interesting.......does put me in a spot of difficulty though as i am neither australian, american or an archaeologist.

may go for the hankie tied in 4 corners look - topped with a muddy handprint in the centre.

any other thoughts?

Fear not David. We'll Americanize (ise?) you eventually. I'm standing by the t-shirt/bandana look. If that certain other digger you mention can do the German lederhosen look in the Lakes District, you can be Lawrence of Arabia in your own back yard.

- Harry

Why thank you harry,

if one would be so good as to supply the headwear then i will try it out. Suspect i will look wonderful.

this is of course until Miss Laderhosen speaks and then i will meekly obey.

Having experienced at first hand some of the dodgy wheelbarrow runs and negotiated the spoil tip from oblivion may I suggest a hard hat might be the most appropriate headgear for a virgin. I have a lovely circa 1910s black hard hat, made in Germany, which has probably seen a lot of work in the trenches already. A photo is available from Flickr.

When you get your eye in and can spot a wonky barrow from 50 meters that might be the time to move to a softer option. ;)

As a dig virgin last year, I opted for pink, floppy and very dirty by the end of Day 1. No one laughed to my face, but probably dig lots of sniggering behind my back!
Kate.
Good luck in your quest for the right look!

Hello Rosie,

based ont he helpful advice given so far, i will be takeing you up on your offer of a hard hat unless some other offers come in. My thinking was play it safe and offend no-one for the first few days (in temrs of headwear only Harry). then slide into a casual "i hve done this many times before" look (which as you all know is an obvious lie - but one which the none diggers will fall for.

Unless of course Harry comes through with your suggestion, plus permission from she who must be obeyed.

Hi BobandKate

Many thanks for the advice, one will be attempting the dirt look. i will be following in Harrys footsteps with his theory of "dig roman dirt/wear roman dirt".

Cheers Chaps

Hi there everybody

Attached are a couple of pics of Harry wearing the approved headgear. You will note on the second picture he is holding several more hardhats in reserve

Oh dear it seems I only managed to add one picture. Here's the other one of Harry with his Lawrence of Arabia look.

Yes! Yes! That's the look, David. The one that says (on me): "I'm a complete tool, and I'm perfectly fine with that."

Kind thanks for sharing those pictures with the world Sandy. I'm sure I'll have to repay the favor. :lol:

- Harry

Dear Everyone Except Harry

Please please help with advice on what to wear on ones head......
after having fallen (not in love) for the administrators useless patter it apperars i need to start afresh on this topic.

it appears hard hats are the way forward, unless anyone not into the "lawrence of arabia" look can come up with more help?

Mr Twicey

Hi Mr Twicey,

A deeply difficult thing hats. Symbolic, yet functional......

Back in the day, when we were young and impetuous, we used to wear base ball hats with beer towels sown into the backs. This gave a somewhat French Foreign legion look that was much admired, whilst offering maximum cool protection for the back of the neck. Of course, it did announce your taste in beer to the rest of the world, or your lack of it.....

Where we are headed (scuse the pun), the sun don’t shine, and hard hats (take this as you will) probably need to be worn at most times. Of course, you can always get your own hard hat and customise it, maybe some decals? Or here is a suggestion I always approve of for my volunteers, go faster stripes B)

Andy

Andy,

as the current headwear guru (title bestowed on the most helpful tip given in topic so far - with the exception of Harry's), i will take your advice on board. However I should probably point out that the final say in this matter belongs to Miss Laderhosen 2006.

Still, as she has not yet passed comment i feel we should push the boundry on what she may find acceptable for myself to wear in her (esteemed) presence.

:huh:

ahh headware

In Kent we wore Hard hats...pros - stones dropped on your head dont hurt

In Malta we wore Cricket Hats Pros - lightweight

At Wharrum I wore my pith Helmet - a bit of both of the above

Currently I favour a leather bush hat...because well - hey


perhaps I need to wear all of them at different times....hmmmm interesting


seriously though...if the trench/area is going deep then hart hats are in vogue - I once had a bucket (empty) fall on me from about 8 feet and it wasn't a pleasant experience...made me jump for sure

Incase any of you were wondering about the outcome of this highly interesting debate, please see the very sensible option of headgear chosen by Mr Twicey... Tescos' Finest!

Dear lord. He's lookin' a-ready to be shootin' up varmints down in Loooo-zeee-anna. I love it, and now I -really- miss not being there last week. :D

-- Harry