Antique Brass-Studded Zanzibar Chest/Trunk

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A rare 19th-century Zanzibar chest made of thick teak slabs and outfitted with brass studs in a stunning design on … Read more A rare 19th-century Zanzibar chest made of thick teak slabs and outfitted with brass studs in a stunning design on the front and top. All of the brass hardware is heavy and thick. The wood is painted red. There are 3 lower drawers with locks. (no keys) Dowry chests have a well-documented history as cultural icons of the Eastern Hemisphere. A chest was essential in a marriage agreement, and the style and size often served as a status symbol of the bride's family. The chest became an integral piece of furniture in the new couple's home, usually being used as a table or bench. This style comes from the unique era of Omani-occupied Zanzibar, where they were often used in the export of spices, rugs, and silks in the 18th and 19th centuries. See less