The Creating & Engraving Techniques Used On Zanzibar Chests & Coffers

The technique used to create the brass engravings and decorative studded patterns on Zanzibar coffer chests is rooted in a metalworking process known as chasing (often referred to as "chase work"). Chasing, along with repoussé, is an ancient metalworking method where artisans shape or embellish metal surfaces, in this case, brass, without removing any material. This technique is used to create intricate designs, patterns, and imagery on the brass sheets that are then applied to the chest.

Chasing Technique:

Chasing involves the detailed engraving or imprinting of designs into metal (typically brass, in the case of Zanzibar chests). The word "chasing" comes from the French word chasser, meaning "to drive out," which reflects the way artisans work the metal surface to create design reliefs and textures. Here’s an overview of how it is typically done:

Tools and Materials:

• Brass sheets: Thin but durable sheets of brass are the primary medium for the chest coverings.
• Chasing tools: These are small chisels or punches with various ends designed to create different textures and patterns. Some have rounded heads for making indentations, while others are sharp for fine line work.
• Hammers: Soft or wooden hammers are used to carefully strike the chasing tools to create impressions on the brass.
• Pitch or resin bed: The brass sheet is often placed on a bed of softened pitch or resin to hold it securely while the chasing is done. This allows for better control of the metal’s movement and helps absorb the shock of hammer blows, preventing the metal from warping or cracking.
• Engraving tools: For more detailed work, engravers use small cutting tools to carve finer lines and intricate details.

The Process:

1. Design Preparation: First, a pattern or design is sketched or traced onto the brass surface. This can include geometric patterns, floral motifs, Islamic calligraphy, or animal designs, depending on the desired aesthetic.

2. Chasing the Design: The artisan uses small, controlled hammer strikes on specialized chasing tools to drive the brass into the desired shapes. These tools are positioned at various angles to create different effects:

   • Shallow relief: For subtle, lightly raised designs, the chasing tool is used with gentle pressure.
   • Deep relief: For more pronounced, raised designs, greater force and deeper impressions are made.

   The metal is often worked from the front side, as opposed to repoussé, which works from the reverse side. Chasing allows the creation of fine details like small lines, textured surfaces, or intricate patterns.

3. Engraving and Detailing: Once the chasing is complete, additional details are engraved into the brass surface. This process involves cutting into the brass with fine tools to add more intricate textures, outlines, or shading to the design. The engravings help define the chased patterns more clearly and can enhance the overall decorative effect.

4. Finishing Touches: After the design is chased and engraved, the brass sheet is sometimes polished to give it a bright, shiny finish. The artisans may also apply patina to the brass to enhance its aged look or to contrast between the raised and recessed areas.

5. Application to the Chest: Once the brass panels are complete, they are carefully applied to the wooden surface of the chest. The metal is often secured using nails or brass studs, which add both decorative and functional value, holding the brass in place.

Role of Brass Studding:

In addition to the chased designs, the brass-covered Zanzibar chests often feature brass studs arranged in decorative patterns. These studs are hammered directly into the wooden chest, creating a visual rhythm that complements the chased brass panels. The studs not only add ornamentation but also serve a structural purpose by reinforcing the chest and holding the brass panels in place.

Combination of Chasing and Repoussé:

In some instances, Zanzibar chests might combine chasing with repoussé techniques. While chasing is done from the front, repoussé involves working from the reverse side of the brass sheet to create raised designs. The artisan pushes the metal outward from the back to create a raised relief, which is then refined with chasing from the front. This combination allows for more complex, layered designs with both raised and recessed elements.

Cultural Significance of the Technique:

The intricate nature of the chase work and brass decoration reflects the luxurious tastes of Zanzibar's elite, who valued these chests for both practical use and as status symbols. The skill required to create such fine work also indicates the high level of craftsmanship in Zanzibar’s artisan community, influenced by the island’s diverse cultural exchanges with Indian, Persian, and Arab metalworkers.

In essence, chasing on Zanzibar chests is a labor-intensive, highly skilled process that results in the beautifully detailed and durable brass surfaces that make these chests so prized.