When was this made?
A ducal power, meaning it was related to dukes or dukedom, was considered one of the highest statuses within the Mediterranean powers in the 11th century. The name Mansone is a common occupational name for a person in the Middle Ages being derived from the Italian word Manzo, meaning steer (cattle). During the Middle Ages, Italian society was primarily based on agriculture and accordingly agricultural occupations were quite frequently shown in the development of these surnames. Manso I (Italian: Mansone) was the duke of Amalfi (966–1004) and prince of Salerno (981–983). He was the son of Duke Sergius I and the greatest independent ruler of Amalfi, which he controlled for nearly half a century. He is sometimes numbered Manso III. This box belonged to the son of Manso III, Taurus (Latin word for bull). These family names associated with cattle and agriculture were reflected in this pen box, depicting a variety of animals to further emphasize the family name.