A Sri Lankan Cane Dowry or Jewellery Casket (Vel-Pettiya)

The high domed box woven using three colours of cane

Raised on a wood base with four short feet

With gilt brass mounts

Kandy, Sri Lanka 18/19thC

Height with folded handle;  7 1/4″ (18.3 cm)

Condition; some wear, brass mounts have been polished leaving residue, originally gilded

Ends of brass hooks to the side missing

Lock plate has been mounted at an angle

Reference; Ananda K Coomaraswarmy, Mediaeval Sinhalese Art, Broad Campden : Essex House Press, 1908, Plate XLIIIa

These were made as a dowry caskets for high caste Sri Lankan women and would remain their property