Baule Miniature Storage Box

Five little figures hold up a lid, and a leopard sits on top.

Baule artisans of the Ivory Coast, West Africa, made this miniature storage box in copper in the 20th century. Small lidded containers in West African metalwork are commonly associated with keeping valued items such as gold dust or personal treasures. The squat, rounded body stands on legs formed as standing figures, with more figures climbing the sides between bands of molded decoration. A feline, mouth open, crouches on the domed lid. The golden brown surface has darkened in the recesses.

About 4 inches tall. Keep it on a desk and let it guard the paper clips.