The box PETACA was used to store cacao which was highly valued for its medicinal properties. It's a piece of history that tells a story of the importance of cacao in Latin American culture.

Hand tooled cow leather over a wood form with red velvet lining, lacquer paper edges and tiny iron nails.

Two loops indicate the box was hung over the shoulder with a strap (missing) there also indicates a tint screw on one side probably to keep leather strap in place. Most likely strap had deterioration over time.

4” x 3 1/4”

Griffin grapes and flower arabesque indicate this as colonial period. Very rare.

Came from my mother’s collection.

Contact me for any questions. Thx. Cesca