Fine Maure Storage Chest for the Tuareg (Touareg) Market

This is the most complex and elaborately decorated box of this type that we have seen. This particular type was made by the Maure people, usually for Tuareg clients.

Such chests, which were lockable, we used to store anything considered valuable from tea and tobacco to jewellery, precious textiles and dowry items.

The example here comprises a wood base over which incised strips of brass, copper and nickel sheet cut into geometric shapes have been pinned. In addition, there is a lock flange, a round finial on the hinged lid, and other decorative elements.

The interior of the box is not lined.

The very apparent age of this example and the complexity of its decoration stands it apart from most other examples. It is a splendid piece.

 

Above: a box similar to the example here being made in the 1940s in Boutilmit, Mauritania

 

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