Shoe-Shaped Antique Wooden Snuff Box with Puzzle Lid Olin Dows Mexico 10 1/2" X 14"

10 1/2" X 14"

typically stuffed with reed or fiber

I believe this a clay fertility figure from the Caraja

This one is also unusual for its underside

darkening along the horizontal striations where it puddled a bit

Shoe-Shaped Antique Wooden Snuff Box with Puzzle Lid Olin Dows Mexico 10 1/2" X 14"I've got a soft spot for antique shoe shaped snuff boxes, of which there are an incredible variety, and also for boxes with puzzle type lids so of course I really love this one which is both! Mid to late 19th century I am pretty sure, and, based on the form and lack of decoration, as well as because I purchased it from a dealer in Dusseldorf, I do believe German. I'm not good at identifying woods but think maybe this is mahogany (?); really beautiful