Aumbries originated in Medieval Europe as safe storage places for items of value, like books and food. The tracery on the front features medieval quatrefoil motifs, and would have originally served to provide air circulation for the contents of the cabinet. Most of the body of the aumbry is constructed from red oak, but the back is made of pine to provide color contrast and lighten the cabinet’s weight. The aumbry is assembled with a combination of joinery and steel flat cut nails.