Powder flask, coconut shell, Napoleon profile, war attributes, helmet, 19th century
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Carved coconut powder flask, decorated on one side with the profile portrait of Emperor Napoleon I; on the other with attributes of war: helmet, sword, axe, standards..., as well as a plant motif, the work of a sailor or convict, from the 19th century.
This powder flask is in good overall condition. The tip is shaped like the head of a grotesque figure.
Note: one eye of the character is missing, a ring is detached on the side, a ring is missing in the middle, scratches and wear of time, see photos.
Like corozo, it was worked by sailors and also by convicts. The latter worked it to pass the time, but also and especially to earn a little money to improve their daily lives. It can also be attributed to sailors during their long voyages. These coconut or corozo objects are beautiful examples of folk art.