Canterbury Woodworks Oval Shaker Box New Hampshire

The box is a Shaker oval box, and was made by Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire. These distinctive boxes are known for their simplicity, utility, and craftsmanship, featuring a unique construction method.
Oval Shape: The Shakers preferred the oval form as it was considered more efficient and less prone to cracking than round or square boxes when the wood expanded or contracted due to seasonal changes.
Swallowtail Joints: The overlapping "fingers" on the side of the box are called swallowtail joints (or simply "fingers"). These were specifically designed to allow the wood to expand and contract without warping the box.
Materials: They were typically made from thin, flexible strips of wood like maple, pine, or cherry.
Construction: The bands were made pliable by soaking them in hot water or steam, bent around a form, and then secured with copper tacks or rivets. The tops and bottoms were secured with small brads, with no glue used in the traditional assembly.
8.5"×3.5"×6"