Rare pretty small globe-shaped box in hammered brass or gilded bronze, on a round base, with a lid topped by a stylized bird in gilded bronze. Vintage handmade African production, presumably from Dahomey, Benin, from the 1940s to the 1960s. A decorative or ritual object, it features a discreet small Christian cross engraved on the back of the lid which reinforces the possibility that it is a ritual object, but it may also indicate a mark of belonging or the manufacturer. It is probably an item made in a private setting, such as a gift, rather than an object intended for tourist export. The box is smooth and globe-shaped, decorated with friezes of hammered dotted lines, hollow and opening at the center, each half of the globe constituting the body and the lid. The lid is adorned with a handle shaped like a bird with relatively long legs and a long beak, possibly a wading bird. The box is fixed on a slightly domed round base, decorated with a frieze of hammered stripes. The foot is secured by a metal rod passing through the base of the box; it was originally welded inside but is now un-welded. This is not a problem if the box is placed flush with the foot (I recommend leaving it as is or having it re-welded), but it will protrude inside, making it slightly more unstable if you decide to lengthen it. A very nice collectible item for enthusiasts of African ethnic objects. Maximum height of 13.5 cm, base alone 4.5 cm high, maximum diameter 8.7 cm. Very good overall condition besides the un-welded rod; the exterior is clean and the metal is shiny, the lower edge of the lid is slightly warped from time and use, but not visible when closed and is minimally bothersome. Approximately 300 grams.