Shepherd's Box. Horn, Wood, Metal. Spain, 1788.

Shepherd’s box. Horn, wood, metal. Spain, 1788.
It has some flaws.
A box with a flat lid and circular base, made of carved horn and decorated on the exterior with relief carvings. The sides are adorned with a band of geometric motifs, and the date 1788 is inscribed on the front (probable year of manufacture). The lid features a crowned coat of arms, flanked by plant motifs and framed by a band of simple geometric elements, divided into four sections depicting castles and rampant lions, in the traditional style of the Castilian coats of arms used by its monarchs since 1230. This type of snuffbox or tobacco box is referred to as “pastoral” because of the materials from which it is made: carved horn—usually cow horn—with metal elements (iron nails, hinges, etc.) and a few wooden additions (particularly on the lid). The decoration is highly varied, always drawing inspiration from folk styles and often featuring motifs rooted in a long tradition; it is not uncommon to find dates or the name of the previous owner inscribed on them. ·
Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 2.5 cm