Ashanti Heart Shaped Gold Box with Elephant Finial

The elephant stands on the lid. Whatever is inside is not his business.

This lidded box is bronze, made by Ashanti artisans of Ghana, West Africa, in the 20th century. Ashanti boxes of this kind are often described as containers for gold dust or small treasures. Here a sturdy elephant with raised trunk and curved tusks stands on a heart-shaped lid. Below, the body is wrapped in bands of tiny patterned ornament and a medallion motif, and rests on coiled spiral feet. The golden-brown patina darkens in the recesses.

About six inches tall. Heavy on charm, light on explanation.