The striped royal headcloth worn by ancient Egyptian pharaohs and frequently represented in Egyptian statuary and relief.
The nemes is the distinctive royal headcloth worn by ancient Egyptian pharaohs. It covers the crown and back of the head and falls forward in two lappets over the chest, while leaving the ears exposed.
Because the nemes became a standard attribute of kingship, it is an important identifying feature in Egyptian sculpture. Its broad geometric masses frame the face, enlarge the silhouette of the head, and create a formal transition from the head to the shoulders and torso.
Etymology
Borrowed from ancient Egyptian nms, the conventional Egyptological name for the royal headcloth.
Sculptor Notes
In Egyptian statuary the nemes is not merely costume. Its strong planes and descending lappets become part of the architecture of the head, stabilizing the silhouette and linking the face to the larger frontal mass of the figure.
References
https://www.globalegyptianmuseum.org/glossary.aspx?id=266