Tuareg Leather Chest, S, Mali

The Tuareg use these heirloom-quality leather boxes to store incense, makeup, creams or valuable items such as jewelry. The craftsmen cut pieces of goat skin leather, soak them until they soften, and dye them with peppers and other natural plant material. The leather is then stretched onto the acacia wood structure of the box where is it allowed to dry. Finally, the craftsmen tool the leather with traditional geometric patterns.

Chest: 6.25 W x 4 D x 4.5" H