Rabari Damchiya Dowry Chest From Kutch - Ca 1920

This dramatic Indian teak dowry chest is from the Rabari tribe of Kutch and dates to the 1920's. Locally these chests are called 'damchiya'. It is in its original unpolished condition, chip carved and embellished with small mirrors.

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.

Dimensions:

134 x 47 x 130 (wxdxh cms)

From Kutch, India

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