Mauritanian Copper Treasure Chest

A hasp as long as a forearm, on a box that means it.

This treasure chest comes from Mauritania in northwest Africa and dates to the 20th century. It is wood, iron and copper. In a region of long journeys and few locks, a sturdy chest kept a household's cloth, jewelry, papers and other valuables together and safe. Iron plates engraved with geometric lines form bands across the reddish wood, each fixed with copper-headed studs. A long iron hasp hangs down the center of the front. It stands 16 inches high and runs 31.5 long.

Whatever went inside, the chest took it seriously.