Indian Dowry Chest (Sandouk) From Gujarat - 19th Century

This charming antique teak chest has been made in a hut shape and is known locally as a sandouk. It dates to the 19th century and the style is from Gujarat in Northern India. 

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.