Dhokra Mango Coin Purse From Bengal - 19th Century Textiles and valuable documents

and valuable documents

The mongooses are connected with the god of wealth Dzambhala (Jambhala in Sanskrit) and expel jewels of wisdom

Although originally intended for storing grains and wine

Today it would make a unique desk tidy or a great place to store your keys

symbols of protection

Dhokra Mango Coin Purse From Bengal - 19th Century Textiles and valuable documentsThis old Indian coin purse is from Bengal and made from bronze in the shape of a mango. The technique used is dhokra work. Dhokra is a brass or bronze casting made using the lost wax technique. The process is commonly known as Cire Perdue. The object to be cast is sculpted from beeswax is mixed with a little oil. When finished the entire piece is coated with clay made from termite hills to create the mould. The mould is then dried and fired in an oven