The expansion and subsequent construction of a maritime empire, spread across various continents, led to the use of new materials for construction of measuring instruments, namely wood from the overseas territories.

One good example is this parallelepipedic container comprising five parts made of rosewood. The four faces show prominent rectangular strips.

This piece has two bronze handles with decorative brackets.

It is an alqueire that was used in the convent of Belém of Ribeira Grande, Azores.