What am I?
1.  I am made of ivory and once held things that were used almost every day.

2.  I am intricately carved and while smaller than a match box, I could hold quite a lot.

3.  Look closely and you can see a serpent-like motif. If you load me up with my items upside down they could sting like a serpent too.

4.  I was probably used more by women than men.

5.  You would probably find a roll of cotton thread quite close to me.

Last week's answer?

I was a holder for an eye shade that went inf ront of the fireplace. I was meant to stop bright firelight shining in people's eyes!