Box

Place Made
United States of America
Date Made
1790-1830
Medium
pine
Dimensions
DIA 6 7/8; HOA 4 1/4
Accession Number
747.14
Description
DESCRIPTION: Round wooden box: Lidded, wrought nailed and wooden pegged at top and bottom; needs some repair to top, scratched marked on top.

FORM: Round and oval boxes held foodstuffs and other family necessities; these wooden boxes served almost every household need. They came in round and oval shapes and varied in size from large to very small (pill box size). The largest boxes most likely held cheese, butter or herbs. The medium-sized boxes probably held sugar, corn, rye, buckwheat and oats. The smaller boxes usually held spices or pills.

These boxes were often made by the local carpenter. They were either staved (like a barrel) or had beveled laps that were nailed together.

History
This box is inscribed “NBN”, though the identity of this person is unknown.