This lovely intricate egg shaped container was carved from the Coquilla / Coquille nut from the Brazilian Palm tree. The nut, hard and lustrous, was popular in the late 19 century for carving a variety of small objects.  These egg shaped boxes with similar circular designs and a varying amount of holes were made in large numbers and turn up in many countries. Various uses are given for them, I think the most likely  are for thread and thimbles  - needles may not be advisable for one like this with multiple holes - or for pomanders, where holes would be most suitable. It's just under 2 1/4 inches from end to end and 2 1/2 inches in diameter.  It's finely threaded and opens and closes well, but there is a break in the threading on one side with the bark like interior of the nut showing around the bread. The carving show signs of wear and a few very small chips, and there's a tiny crack near the opening on one side.