British pre WWI ID case?

[ziomanno]

Hello gentlemen, just found this brass case in a local flea market. After some researches, I found out that it could be a pre WWI ID case issued to African native personnel.
Any suggestion? It is roughly 5 cm wide.
Thanks!

[ynot]

I've no idea but they don't appear to be uncommon.

Have a look here Vintage Kenyan brass "KIPANDE" box N.A.D. with broad arrow and copper neck chain | eBay and here N.A.D. Mystery Item - Great Britain: Militaria: Badges, Uniforms & Equipment - Gentleman's Military Interest Club

One says Native Affairs Department whereas the other says Naval Ammunition Department but this site seems to show it as an ID card Smithsonian Natural History Web: African Voices

Pass holder, or kipande.
Under British colonial rule, papers inside this Kenyan kipande recorded its African owner’s name and work history, and listed the rules restricting movement.

[ziomanno]

Very interesting info, thanks for sharing. 👍 I wonder how that item reached my town... No link at all 🤔 There were 2 for sale, at a cheap price.