Tramp Art Communion Box

NameBox

Artist Artist Not Recorded

Date1884

Place madeGendt, Netherlands, Europe

MediumWood, cotton, nails, paint, metal rings.

Dimensions14 9/16 × 12 13/16 × 8 7/16 in. (37 × 32.5 × 21.5 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, IFAF Collection, gift of Eric Zafran, 2016, FA.2016.42.1

Object numberFA.2016.42.1a-d

ProvenancePurchased from Dave and Sue Irons in 2015 by Eric Zafran, then gifted to MOIFA.

DescriptionThis box contains three compartments. The box is topped with a sculpted foot, and this lid slides open to reveal a small Christ in sepulcher. Next compartment is a hinged storage area. Inside, a wooden rectangle with Plattsdeutsch inscription, in nails, "Ik geloof in de heer jezus christus," meaning "I believe in Jesus Christ." This slides upward to reveal a small niche with a wooden sculpted Arma Christi inside. Final compartment is a drawer at the bottom that contains a grid of small storage spaces. The exterior carved in two tones of wood, with leaf and flower motifs, arrows, collumns and finials. An inscription on the exterior front, "Degendt HP," and the date 1884.