Name/Title
Zanzibari ChestEntry/Object ID
MK_0362Description
During the 18th and 19th centuries, trade in the Indian Ocean grew exponentially, connecting the peoples of South Asia, East Africa, and the Gulf States. This was especially true between the Muslim peoples across this region, as early Muslim communities were set up in Southeast Asian countries, and trade strengthened between ports in north-west India (Diu; Surat; Bombay), the Arabian peninsula (Basra, Iraq) and East Africa, especially the Tanzanian island archipelago, Zanzibar.
This captivating studded chest, hailing from Zanzibar but thought to have been crafted by Indian artisans, is a relic of this remarkable period. Likely utilised to house clothing, spices, jewelry, or other valuable items, the hardwood chest features three small exterior lower drawers and is decorated with applied hobnails and worked metal plates, typical of the contemporaneous style. Placed in the Mauna Kea's main lobby, this piece is now used for decorative purposes, its majesty inviting guests to consider the rich and storied histories of the communities of the Indian Ocean.
This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel.Made/Created
Time Period
19th CenturyPlace
Island/Archipelago
ZanzibarCountry
TanzaniaContinent
AfricaDimensions
Height
26 inWidth
20-1/2 inLength
53-1/4 inLocation
Area
Main LobbyFloor
Lobby LevelBuilding
Main TowerArea
Pool CorridorFloor
2nd FloorBuilding
Beach WingFloor
6th FloorBuilding
Main Tower