Corozo box
Applied Arts
2020.10.15.10.AA.BX.C1840.FR
Description
Oval box in carved corozo nut decorated on the top of the lid with matrimonial symbolism representing two kissing doves. The frame has a carved floral motif of roses and daisies. The box could be used to keep tobacco, smaller jewelelry, or as a pillbox, and offered as a wedding gift.The "ivory palms" native to the Amazon rainforest give fruits whose inner flesh (albumen), when drying becomes very hard and of a texture very similar to that of ivory. It is this vegetable ivory which is called corozo, tagua nut or coquilla nut, and is used as elephant tusk ivory.
In 1798, the Spaniards RUIZ and PAVON, returning from exploring the Peruvian jungle of the upper Amazon, were the first to describe the palm tree that the Quechua Indians used to fashion jewelry and various objects. Subsequently, we will discover in northwestern South America, between Panama and Bolivia, eight species of these Phytelephasou "plant elephants".
The corozo was worked by the sailors who made it, for example, into small boxes, snuff boxes and tobacco graters. They worked it to pass the time but also and above all to make a little money to improve their daily lives. These corozo objects are fine examples of folk art.
Material
Vegetable ivoryOrigin
vers 1840 French coloniesDimensions
Width : 7 cmLength : 9 cm
Height : 3.5 cm