A 19th c. Bugbear drinking flask of relief carved coconut shell in orignal varnish finish. 
Constructed from the solid natural form of a still green coconut, hollowed and relief carved profusely with crosshatching bands  surmounting large paneled diamonds and tobacco leaves. A wooden stopper for drinking is inserted into the mouth and is made of lathe turned soft wood.
The carving confidently portrays a totemistic travel of voyage by a sailor to the West Indies during a long voyage. Tobacco production during the 18th & early 19th c. was scrutinized and revered for quality standards and became an important occurence in daily life. An anonymous sailor or soldier likely found himself enamored with the encounter of being at the center of tobacco production far from home.
Survives in a superlative state of original condition with a finely aged varnish finish. Likely Central European in origin. Ca. 1770-1820 6"T.