Works of Art from Coquilla Nut

10 gennaio 2026

The world owes much to avid collectors. David Badger from Virginia is one such person. He collects snuff boxes and snuff bottles made from coquilla nut. From the 18th century onward, this hard Brazilian nut was processed into these small utensils with carved images. Several American historians have studied the iconography of these objects. They conclude that much of the carving was done in the West, probably even by Black Brazilians, or African sailors. The origins of the many Napoleonic themes, however, remain a mystery. From a European perspective, we have a different view on the depictions, either serious, funny or caricatures. Our staff wrote a critical review of this really beautifully produced book.

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