19th C. Spanish Colonial Leather Petaca W/Iron Clasp

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Latin/South America, Spanish Colonial era, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A large and well preserved hide traveling trunk known … Read more Latin/South America, Spanish Colonial era, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A large and well preserved hide traveling trunk known as a petaca, constructed with thick panels of tanned leather stacked over a wooden frame and secured with iron lock fittings. The body and lid are a single massive piece of folded hide, with embroidered leather motifs and decorative stitched seams. including the unusual addition of the letter "B O B" spaced across the lid- likely a personal mark of ownership. The front retains a working iron hasp latch. Such trunks were used for travel or storage of valuable across colonial territories and often served a dual purpose as portable furnishing, since this was sturdy enough to sit upon. Size 26" L x 16%" W x 12" H. See less