Manjus (Dowry Chest) From Banswara Tribal Region - 19thC

This teak dowry chest from Banswara is known as a Manjus. Traditionally the bride's family had to offer gifts known as Dowry - to the bridegroom's family if they were to find a good husband for their daughter. Dowry was normally Gold jewellery and Silk saris but sometimes brass cooking pots and other family treasures were exchanged. In modern times dowry is supposed to have been made an illegal practice, but in reality it is still practiced and cars and even washing machines have been known to be exchanged.

This particular Manjus is crafted from wild teak, most likely from the Banswara hills. Wild teak has a beautiful wavy grain effect as opposed to farmed teak which is far straighter. The chest also has iron binding.  

From India

118 x 60 x 78 (wxdxh cms)

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