For nearly two centuries an icon of male headgear in the Middle East has been a red, flowerpot shaped cap. It also became one of the ‘signatures’ of the late British comedian, Tommy Cooper, who was rarely seen on-stage without one on his head. But what exactly was he wearing? This type of headgear is normally called either a fez or a tarbush, as if the two terms are synonymous. But in the Middle East there is a significant difference between a fez and a tarbush, and how they are worn. Basically this form of headgear can be seen as reflecting the massive social, cultural, economic and political changes that took place in the Middle East and the West in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
 

• Contents: The exhibition includes the various elements required to make a fez/tarbush, and ten examples of this garment, as well as Western military and Shriner examples.
• Availability: The exhibition is currently available.