Where did the Jewish kippah originate from?

Question

I was told it was not original a Jewish thing and that the Jews got the idea from their neighbors.

Answer 1

The Bible speaks of how the priests were to cover their heads. Since Israel was to be a "nation of priests" it became common for everyone to have a headcovering of some type. The Kippah is just another reminder of "who you are", much like the peyot on the head, the tzitzit on the corners of the tallit. When you live a conspicuously Jewish lifestyle, you are much more self-concious of how you act, what you buy, etc.

Answer 2

i'm not sure. the talmud says "cover your head so that the fear of heaven may be upon you." but you know, i'm not sure how exactly the kippah in particular came about as a head covering. i know there is stuff like headresses in really ancient culture to cover heads. perhaps the appearance of the kippah was derived from other cultures, i don't know. i probably learned its origin once but forgot it since its not really important.

Answer 3

I've heard it comes from the roman captivity, where slaves had to cover their heads. the Jews kept it after to show they are slaves of god.
that or male pattern baldness.