A NIELLOED PARCEL-GILT GUNPOWDER CARTRIDGE CASE (PALASKA) WITH THE GREEK GODDESS ATHENA
Greece or Balkans, Western Ottoman Provinces, 19th century

Of typical cusped shape, with a convex hinged lid at the top surmounted by an openwork decorative plaque with a pair of birds, the front, sides, and lid embellished with fine niello decoration including a Greek coat of arms with the triumphant Goddess Athena holding the severed head of a Turk in her hand and the spear in the latter, flanked by two owls, the totem animal of this deity, the back and sides decorated with engraved and nielloed fretwork bands with foliate, floral and geometric motifs, the rectangular belt loop at the back pierced with a regardant double 'S' design, the edges engraved with a braided band, 13.5cm x 10cm, 373gr.

This palaska is likely to have been produced during or shortly after the Greek War of Independence, which started in 1821. The symbolism is clear and it suggests greater freedom of expression and opinion, which would have not been tolerated under the Ottoman Empire. Greece is currently celebrating its 200 year anniversary of liberation from the Ottoman power and this palaska is a precious historical reminder of those times.