About the Item

This antique dowry trunk was originally filled with Fine clothes, bedding, and jewelry, then presented by a husband to his future wife. Made in southern Morocco, the wood dates from the early 1800s and is tamarix (a type of cedar) covered in leather, with silver and brass repousse, camel bone, and gemstone adornments. Entirely covered in intricately patterned Tuareg leather, dyed with henna and other natural dyes, the front of this large trunk has two large silver melange eight-pointed stars, the seal of the prophet, with antique silver coins in the middle. Numerous repousse hamsa hands, each with a large piece of turquoise or coral in the middle decorate the chest, with evil eye symbols of camel bone carefully placed throughout. The center of the chest is a common tattoo symbol, dotted with stones of turquoise, coral, and malachite. Silver fibula brooch designs, metal rivets, and antique coins (mostly pounded to obscurity) provide further visual delight. The top of the chest is just as stunning. From a large center piece of malachite a decorative circle extends, with the large tribal tattoo symbols repeated on each side, again with coral, turquoise and malachite. Stars, evil eyes, fibula and antique coins completely cover the rest of the chest's lid. Each side of the trunk has additional tribal designs, with more gemstone, antique coins, camel bone and rivet decoration. On one side there is a snake; on the other a camel. The back of this highly decorative trunk is intricately patterned Tuareg leather, dyed with henna, as is the leather on the bottom interior. All edges are protected by a thick repousse silver melange. The flap of the closure is repousse silver melange. The side carrying handles are also metal. This entirely handmade item is an incredible piece of artistry that will be the star of any room and a treasured heirloom. This chest was sourced from the southern Morocco desert town of Zagora. The chest weighs 35lbs empty.

Dimensions:
Height: 27.17 in (69 cm)Width: 66.15 in (168 cm)Depth: 19.69 in (50 cm)
Style:
Tribal (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Bone,Brass,Copper,Coral,Hardwood,Leather,Malachite,Silver,Steel,Carved,Forged,Inlay,Other,Repoussé
Place of Origin:
Morocco
Period:
Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Early 1900s
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Vineyard Haven, MA
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU4404214282351