Glossary

Balzo refers to a fashionable early 16th century headdress in Italy which was similar to Snood. Balzo was described as a large gathered bag, often made of woven strips of fabric, fan cy gold material and lace, or other materials, worn over the hair. From the front it could look more like a roll worn over the hair, as the greater portion of its bulk was above the head.

Balzo is a term found in both 15th and 16th century sources and can be applied somewhat generically to the shape current at the time. Balzo in its original 15th century form is large and bulbous, not symmetrical, and back heavy. In both centuries Balzo was decorated extensively, ornamented with jewels or enameled pieces, and in the 16th century it was also made of wire.