Sure looks like a reproduction of a Hamam soap carrier. Typically the ones I have seen were made of copper or tin/copper combination.
I remember this size/style of box being popular back in the 1960's to 70's. They were imported and were used for all sorts of crafts but they didn't have the holes in the bottom. There were several different kinds that would also have holes in the decoration at the top. Would be easy to find some and drill them and tout them as soap carriers. I have a few stored away in my mom's things...no holes but same type of locking device, style, etc.
Mart, that would actually be a great use for the box around here! Not many bath houses around here!