Container Item Number: Ef152 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Brass casting of casket in shape of mango seed. Does not stand free as both ends are pointed. Larger bottom is more than two thirds larger than the small, separately cast top (lid). Bottom has grid encircling circumference, perforated frequently, giving a lighter, more open effect. The tip of the lid has a hole through which string can be threaded. Both lid and bottom have hinge attachments on either side, one is permanently fixed and the other forms the latch.
History Of Use
These types of objects are used by Bengali women to store precious things (coins, gold chains, jewellery, cosmetics).
Cultural Context
used by women
Iconographic Meaning
Mango is the symbol of prosperity.
Item History
- Made in West Bengal, India before 1975
- Collected during 1975
- Owned by Stephen Inglis before December 2, 1977
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller) on December 2, 1977
What
- Name
- Container
- Identification Number
- Ef152
- Type of Item
- container
- Material
- brass metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast, chiseled and polished
- Overall
- height 7.9 cm, diameter 4.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Indian: Northern Indian and Indian: Central Indian
- Previous Owner
- Stephen Inglis
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) and Stephen Inglis (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- West Bengal, India
When
- Creation Date
- before 1975
- Collection Date
- during 1975
- Ownership Date
- before December 2, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on December 2, 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 105
- Accession Number
- 0411/0107