Traditional "bisht" or "abâ" coat. Arabian Peninsula, Arabian Gulf, Bahrain. Long cloak in brown sheep's wool or camel hair, decorated around the notch with a wide braid embroidered and applied with gold thread. Two gold tassels on either side of the opening were used to close the coat. Provenance: Royal Family of Bahrain. This garment was offered as a personal token of esteem. The bisht, or abâ, usually black, beige, brown or gray, is an element of social status and a symbol of elegance in the Gulf countries, usually worn over the "thobe" on important occasions. The Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain meaning "the two seas") is a constitutional monarchy on the Arabian Peninsula and an island state whose capital is Manama. The archipelago, named after its main island (al-Bahrayn), is located in the Persian Gulf between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Bahrain has been independent since 1783, and has since been ruled by the Sunni Al Khalifa ruling family. The Emirate of Bahrain, where the majority of the population is Shiite, has been a kingdom since 2002, ruled by King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa (b. 1950). From his four wives, the king has had seven sons and five daughters. Expert: Laure Soustiel (SFEP expert) Tel: 06 09 47 27 31 e-mail: laure@soustiel.com