Dogon Leather Container, Mali

A small round box, lid fitted, in leather the color of strong coffee.

Dogon makers in Mali produced it in the 20th century, and leather cases like this held small personal items. The lid carries a raised square panel, with stamped circles at the corners and a checkerboard of impressed squares, framed by tooled borders. A rolled band separates lid from base. Around the base, tooled panels carry fine chevron patterning and scalloped edges.

Light rubbing shows at the edges. Just under three inches tall.

Whatever you keep in it, it will look like a secret.