Manjus (Dowry Chest) From Banswara Tribal Region - 19thC Takhat Tables The distressed black painted base

The distressed black painted base adds a dramatic contrast to the natural grain of the timber top

This Tibetan chest is a classic Tibetan style of chest with pine construction clad in yak leather and brass corners

113 x 63 x 60  (wxdxh cms)

This piece was part of a private collection

Manjus (Dowry Chest) From Banswara Tribal Region - 19thC Takhat Tables The distressed black painted baseThis 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