Egypt   Egyptian general’s parade cap This cap—called a barathea—dates from the 60s or 70s and is rather interesting because it features badge and visor decorations that symbolize lotus flowers (or possibly papyrus thickets). What a lovely change from the oak leaves that have been adopted by so many other countries—including those that don’t even have any oaks! The characteristic Egyptian figures seen here are directly related to the iconography of ancient Egypt and often appear in temple paintings and reliefs. In fact, there’s even a special hieroglyphic sign for the lotus—seshen. Got this on eBay one day when the other collectors weren’t paying attention. Apparently it came from a Soviet military museum that had closed. The service version of this cap is in khaki, with a brown leather peak and green badge backing. The papyrus thicket motif as used on an ancient Egyptian column.