Trying to identify a woodworking technique.

[Vinca]

I picked up an intricately carved wooden box last weekend with a technique I've never seen before. It has thin strips of a metal that looks like brass hammered into the surface of the wood outlining the image. It looks like cloisonne only wood instead of enamel. There are no markings on the box. The image is of a mermaid so I was thinking a sailor might have made it while out at sea. No idea of value. I'd guess first half of 20th century. Any ideas?

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. Inlay

https://www.google.com/search?q=inlay+woodworking+metal&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=0hX&rls=org.mozilla:en-US fficial&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=bKV9ULS8PMeIrAHa1oGYDg&ved=0CDwQsAQ&biw=1050&bih=648&sei=iqV9ULfKLYiOrQGQvoH4BA

edit: link sucks. just google "Inlay Woodworking metal" images

It's the broad term. would have to see pics to narrow it down at all. Sulpher inlay can sometimes look like brass.. it would be an awesome find if it was. Cool even if it's just brass

[Vinca]

2. It probably is considered an inlay. I'm sure it's metal because 1 end was sticking up.

It's nothing that was done with any kind of machine, though, which makes me think a sailor might have done it. I'll look more at pictures of metal inlay pieces.