Antique Primitive Coffer With Carving

A rare item, coming from the tribal lands in the Hindu Kush, once known as Kafiristan, but later, after supposed conversion to Islam as Nuristan, land of light, for centuries the natives had held on to their animist, shamanistic religion and they were renowned wood carvers, living on hillsides, decorating houses of elders, temples, furniture and idol figures in distinctive abstract and symbolic chip-carved designs. Much of their material heritage was destroyed then and in recent decades by fundamentalists opposed to their beliefs, this is a rare survival, a thick hewn dowry box made of Himalayan cedar wood, with characteristic motifs to the front, it came out in the 1990s, before the area became too dangerous for foreign antique dealers to visit. Who knows what is left now probably nothing.

Hindu Kush 19th cent or earlier

H: 75cm (29.5in)
W: 122cm (48.0in)
D: 50cm (19.7in)

Courier/Postage cost arranged separately (an email will be sent following purchase). 

Europe delivery is possible, however please get in touch before purchase if you are further afield as delivery costs will be high.