This man's garment, known as an abba, is traditionally made from two horizontal lengths of fabric, seamed around the middle and across the shoulders: in this example some fabric has been cut away to create armholes. Abbas are versatile and elegant garments; Bruce Ingham writes in 'Languages of Dress in the Middle East', 'they can be worn while standing, sitting or driving and can be used as a cover for the whole body while sleeping ... when walking [it] may either be allowed to drape from the shoulders or the sides may be gathered up slightly and held under one arm so that the ends do not get caught ... when receiving a guest, the right-hand side ... may be taken off the shoulder and brought round under the arm to be held together with the left-hand edge under the left arm. This leaves the right hand free for shaking hands.' This abba was given to the Museum by Naser od-Din Shah, Shah of Iran from 1848 to 1896.