Marble Head of a Flavian Man in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2007

Marble head of a man
Roman, Flavian period, 69-96 AD

Accession # 13.229.5

The carefully arranged flat waves of hair around the face and the long loose hair in the back indicate that this man held some position in the imperial retinue. Certain figures represented in the triumphal processions carved on the Arch of Titus in Rome and on the Arch of Trajan at Beneventum are shown with long hair. They carry painted panels, shields, or candelabra. Although their excact function or office is unknown, the long hair must have been an important distinguishing trait.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.