The Bataks are from the Philippines and also Malaysia and Indonesia. This little intricately woven box comes from Indonesia. The fine weaving of the lid and outer uses split cane or grass 3mm and less wide. It has a neat edge, and a woven cord so the lid can be lifted off without it comng away from the box. Inside the top is a thicker cane tray - this lifts out to reveal another tray. When this is pulled up, it reveals a whole inner box, with two little drawers front and back, and a pull out tray at the sides containing two further very small trays. For hiding secrets. Whole box measures about10 cm high, 21 cm long and 10 cm wide. Condition: the outer box in fine weave has some age damage. Inside, one of the cane trays has a little stretch in one corner, otherwise it is in remarkably good condition. Early to mid 20th century - certainly at least 50 years old.

Regional & Ethnic Antiques