Teak Wood Joutuk Pedi Or Dowry Box — Indian Asian, Rajasthan, India, Late 19th C.

In India, the tradition of giving dowries was an important and central part of Hindu marital rites. Indian fathers once made dowry chests like this one by hand, as gifts for their unmarried daughters. The young women would then go about collecting jewelry and personal items to place inside in preparation for life with her future husband. Constructed of teak wood over 60 years ago, this small chest is a fine example of old Indian craftsmanship. The steeply peaked lid is inspired by the temple architecture of the region surrounding Rajasthan.