bañé

Baú is a large storage container used to store and transport personal belongings and valuables. It is usually a rectangular chest made of wood, reinforced with metal bands, corners, and a lid that opens on hinges. Many baús include a lock and handles for carrying, and interiors can be lined with fabric or leather; some have compartments to organize items.

Historically, baús were common in households across Portuguese-speaking regions and were used to store clothes, linens, documents, coins, and other valuables. They also served as travel chests on ships and overland caravans, enabling people to move possessions safely over long distances. Variants ranged from small personal trunks to large household chests.

In contemporary settings, baús continue to appear as antique or decorative furniture. The term is also used metaphorically to denote a reserve of memories, treasures, or information, as in expressions such as "baú de memórias" or "baú de tesouros."

Related terms include baú de viagem and baú de jóias, and some baús feature secret compartments or elaborate hardware reflecting regional craftsmanship.