Carved coconut piggy bank – “Un recuerdo de Ucua” folk art

Probably Angola, circa 1880–1910.
Pontoon or sailor's work, typical of colonial souvenirs made on Portuguese sea routes.
Rare colonial folk art money box, finely carved and engraved by hand from a coconut.
The inscription “UN RECUERDO DE UCUA” (souvenir of Ucua) refers to the Ucua mission, founded in the 19th century in Angola.
The naive and detailed decoration depicts European figures, exotic animals (lion, horse, dog), and tropical palm trees, in a style combining European and African influences.
Technical details:
Material: polished natural coconut
Technique: hand-carved and openwork
Dimensions: approx. 10 cm × 8 cm
Weight: approx. 120 g
Patina: dark brown, shiny and uniform
Coin slot on top, circular opening underneath
Condition:
Fair condition for its age.
Several old cracks that have stabilized.
Visible traces of old restoration, mainly around the lower opening and some openwork.
Authentic patina
Sold as is, with traces of restoration and minor damage.
Late 19th–early 20th century (circa 1880–1910).
Probably Ucua, Angola.
Portuguese pontoon or sailor's work, executed in a colonial context.
A rare ethnographic piece, reflecting the cultural fusion between African craftsmanship and European iconography.
A typical example of pontoon work, combining patience, imagination, and exoticism.
Protected shipping with tracking.
Internal shipping.