Throughout the Islands, from the poorest Al-Bandian camp to the most luxurious palace, coffee-making is the measure of a good host. If a woman rules the house or tent, she may make the mocha, but this is typically a man's job. </p><p> Nowhere is the preparation and drinking of coffee more ceremonious than among the Al-Bandia. A prince or sheikh may allow a slave to prepare the coffee and an honored son to pour it. But the average Al-Bandian host does it all themself with great flourish and pride. </p><p> The ceremony is very ritualized, including such elements as the host must drink first, the eldest guest must be served first, and the pot must be held in the left hand. </p><p> After drinking coffee, a town-dwelling host often passes round a censer filled with frankincense, allowing each guest to inhale the scent and bask in its fragrance. Among the nomads, only sheikhs observe this custom. Once the censer has been passed, guests are expected to leave or retire for the night.