Scarce Antique Tuareg Mauritania North Africa Mixed Metal Mounted Wood Chest

Most impressive size, hand-crafted in Mauritania, Northwest Africa, around the turn of the late 19th / early 20th century, very high-quality craftsmanship, construction and materials, exceptionally executed highly decorative traditional Tuareg peoples design, featuring a rectangular solid rosewood case with strap-hinged lid, adorned with elaborate applied arabesque reticulated iron, copper and gilt brass overlay, surmounted by turned finial handle. The locking lift-top with ornate reticulated pierced hand-etched lockplate opens with the original key to reveal a spacious red fabric-lined interior storage compartment.

Mauritania African tribal folk art; the country’s name derives from the ancient Berber kingdom of Mauretania, located in North Africa within the ancient Maghreb. Berbers occupied what is now Mauritania beginning in the third century AD. Arabs under the Umayyad Caliphate conquered the area in the late seventh century, bringing Islam, Arab culture, the Arabic language and Moorish – Islamic art. Starting in the late 19th century, France laid claim to the territories of present-day Mauritania, in the early 20th century Mauritania was fully colonized by France as part of French West Africa. All these influences lend to a most distinctive artistic style.

Dimensions: (approx)
11″ Tall, 24″ Wide, 14″ Deep; (measurement without key)
Weight: 21 lbs

A striking example of functional art, this rare chest can be used a variety of different ways, including placed on the floor as a petite blanket chest, important document or valuables casket, atop a large table or console as a monumental table box, or simply displayed as a stunning, sophisticated, and interesting historical object!

Condition:
Superb museum quality example, in great original unrestored antique / vintage condition with beautifully aged warm rustic patina. Wear consistent with age and indicative of use. Patinated, oxidized. Retaining original key/working lock. Distressed later fabric lining. Overall a truly remarkable piece!