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Zanzibar chests were traditionally used for storage, especially by affluent families. They held valuable items such as clothing, jewelry, and important documents. Many were carved and decorated with brass and nail heads. A Zanzibar chest is a highly

decorative piece made from a mixture of teak and other various woods. These little chests, also known as strongboxes, are ornately mounted with pierced and embossed brass and copper, held in place by brass and steel nails. The hinged lid opens to reveal a plain interior, though some chests have some divided compartments and small drawers. Zanzibar chests are well-known for their intricate decoration.