Apex is a spiked cap worn by the Roman priests known as flamines and salii at Rome.
The flamen, as depicted on the ara pacis, was characteristically dressed in the laena (a thick double-cloak), with the apex tied under his chin. He would also have worn the toga praetexta. The apex is, strictly speaking, the olive-wood spike on the top of the cap (pilleus or galerus) that was attached to the cap by means of woolen threads, apicula; however, the term apex usually refers to the entire cap. Usually the cap and straps (offendices) to tie or button under the chin were made of leather. The area over the ears was cut high. The apex was required wear when the priest was outside. When the apex fell off a flamen's head while he was at the altar, the priest was removed from office.
Sources:
- "The Apex or Tutulus in Roman Art"
Katharine A. Esdaile;
The Journal of Roman Studies, Vol. 1, (1911), pp. 212-226 - "The Flamen of the Ara Pietatis"
Fred S. Kleiner;
American Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 75, No. 4 (Oct., 1971), pp. 391-394 - William Smith, D.C.L., LL.D.: A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, John Murray, London, 1875.
