Sailor's Valentine's

The Sailor’s Valentine, – an octagonal box containing an intricate shell design – was a popular gift-item in the 18th and 19th century and often purchased by sailors for their loved ones at home. They are thought to have originated in Barbados, where they may have been crafted by local women from both local and imported shells. Today the production has all but ceased and sailor’s valentines are mostly found in museums and private collections. The sailor’s valentines displayed in the Compass Restaurant are prepared in Vietnam and assembled and distributed by the Landis family in Barbados.

Art Info:

Title of Art Work: Sailor's Valentines

Year Created: n.d.

Medium/Materials: Shells, wood