I think this big chest is African, my brother says Caribbean, my mother says we are both wrong!?

Question

Can anyone help - we're clueless!

http://pvjsl.com/images/art/index.asp

It is 42" long (the king is about 18" tall) and made of a splintery, heavy, and and strongly-smelling herby wood (is herby a word?).

I'm sure some viewer here is familiar with the theme, the type of work this represents, and if this box is traditional.

Even if you don't know, any direction for my continuing investigation would be appreciated - thanks for any thoughts!

Answer 1

I can't tell you anything about it, but it certainly is unique! You're lucky to have it.

Answer 2

I lived in Africa and would be willing to bet that it's from somewhere in Africa.  I'm not sure which country.

Answer 3

Beautiful work. The Museum of Art might be able to help. Good Luck.  

Answer 4

I like your chest. It is really exquisite and it seems to be showing an African king or a very important person being sheltered by his servants. I think your chest is African in origin. Perhaps you can ask a museum if they can assist you in finding out where the chest orignated from.

Answer 5

The black people of the Caribbean are just displaced African And you have to also remember that most blacks here in America and the Caribbeans are mixed with Indian and black and white..... So you could be the results of that mixture........................

Answer 6

Wow  how beautiful. Well  when I first saw it it was the umbrella that caught my eye. I  know that in Africa these types of umbrella were used by the king, a servant would usually hold it for them. The features are quite strong and I noticed one  was bald this reminds me of New Guinea. The heavy necklace also New Guinea but can also be other regions. The best thing to do is look up certain piece's of it. For instance the head gear is quite unique. They wear long cotton skirts probably colored. Notice the king and closest servants skirts are thicker possibly woven. Look at the shield designs. I would look in Nigeria possibly in the Benin area also in New Guinea.  Good luck.