The use of talismanic shirts are not always well defined, although it is commonly understood that such shirts are worn by warriors underneath their armour to protect them during battles. This striking shirt also stands out in terms of its inscriptions which suggest that this was made for a Shi’a Muslim patron. The shirt has been inscribed with Qur’anic chapters, the Jawshan al-Kabir (“big armour” protection prayer) and the Jawshan al-Saghir (“small armour” protection prayer). The collar is embroidered with poppies. Both Jawshan prayers are closely connected to Shi’a traditions in terms of its transmission from God to Prophet Muhammad to the imams. The Jawshan al-Kabir is viewed as a protection against physical injury, illness, particularly during battle while the minor Jawshan al-Saghir is reputed as a defence against magic and witchcraft. The back of the shirt also bears the names of the Twelve Imams, further specifying the specific Shi’a milieu this shirt was intended for.
