H x W x D: 42.6 × 98.1 × 42.8 cm (16 3/4 × 38 5/8 × 16 7/8 in.)
Type:
Decorative Arts
Geography:
Bagomoyo, Tanzania
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
While this particular style of brass covered chest is described by scholars as “Bombay,” the history of the chests is much more complex and exemplifies the Indian Ocean trade. Widespread tales ascribe their origin to the days when large sailing dhows followed the annual monsoons bringing trade goods to the east coast of Africa from the Arabian Peninsula, the Persian Gulf and the western coast of India. While traditionally assigned multiple points of origin, the decorated teak wood chests would be refurbished in African ports for local and foreign clients. The metal was polished, the wood stained red and cylindrical legs or a stand added.
Description:
Wood rectangular lidded chest over three drawers with pierced brass overlay, red stain
Provenance:
Rod and Nancy E. MacDonald, acquired Bagomoyo, Tanzania, 1971-1972 to 2015
Exhibition History:
African Mosaic: Selections from the Permanent Collection, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 19, 2013–August 12, 2019 (installed November 6, 2015 to February 26, 2018)
Content Statement:
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