Carved Trick Chest

Item number 08.491.8903 from the Brooklyn Museum.

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Description

The object is a large trick chest made of cedar wood. The sides that are larger are decorated with carvings and painted designs; the smaller sides are decorated with painted designs but have no carvings; the lid and bottom have no decoration. The chest, which is a bent wood box, was constructed out of a single plank of cedar wood that was notched, steamed, bent into shape, attached on the fourth side, then fitted with a top and bottom. The back of the chest, which has a cut out section that can be removed and replaced, was used in a knife thrust trick according to Charles F. Newcombe, former collector/owner of the object. The central element of its design is a creature's large head. At the bottom, there are hands with palms facing out. Although subject matter on the front and back is similar, the designs differ. Condition is fair. Overall wear. Numerous repairs. Lid cracked lengthwise and glued; chips around edges. Interior reinforced at corners.