A Rare Cochiti Pine Carved Box or Chest, Circa 1880

Cochiti Pueblo

Circa 1880 | Pine | Item 2192

This is a rare and early Cochiti pine box, given by a Cochiti family to a teacher, their friend. The box was used as an indoor box, so while the surface has good age to it, the wear is different than the boxes left outside on a porch or veranda. The ponderosa pine has mellowed to a wonderful honey color, textured with subtle variations. There is no evidence the box was ever painted. The top board may of had some stain added to it, as it’s the only surface that has different hues to it.

The front panel and the two ends have the classic Cochiti design elements, a type of fine, chip carving with a strong linear nature. The front design centers on a central spine that begins at the bottom with horizontal extensions on both sides. These extensions increase in length jutting out until they reach their maximum at the top. The top, outer portion of these extensions is finish with a finely executed spiral that floats back downward and inward. The outer flanks of the front board on each side has a reduced version, in scale, of the same central spine. The front panel thus becomes a board separated into four sections. The two end boards are decorated with two, complete, chipped in circles, a smaller one within the outer, larger one.

The box is made of six, whole boards. The top board was at one time broken along the center grain and then glued back together. Before the glue has used, there were two bracing systems used to secure the two parts as one. One can see the evidence of these marks where glue has since filled their holes. The bottom board is original and shows heavy use, including cracks that last the entire length. One can see the large, square wrought iron nails to secure it. The inside surface of the bottom board has been covered with a more contemporary particle board to keep the contents in and the mice out. The six boards are attached to each other with square, wrought iron nails. The two hinges for the top board are later additions. The stand for the box is a more recent addition. The box functions well as a modern day storage space.