Dayak Wood Storage Box

Security here is handled by a crocodile.

This storage box is Dayak, from Borneo, Indonesia, early to mid 20th century, in carved wood. Dayak households kept heirlooms and valuables in carved containers, and animals such as the crocodile often appear in Dayak art as figures of power and protection, though meanings vary between communities. A long crocodile stretches across the boat-shaped lid, its back scored in a grid and its feet planted. Curling, interlocking scrolls cover the lid and the stepped sides of the box. The surface is a dry reddish brown and looks weathered at both ends. It measures 39.5 inches wide, 17.25 deep and 18 high.

The contents were presumably safe.