betel nutcracker

[fernando]

Sorry, this is not properly a weapon.
I am trying to know the region in India where this Kacip comes from.
I wonder if some of the members can coment about it, judging by the pattern of the gold and silver decoration.
Thanks
fernando

[Valjhun]

Are you sure that it is not from Continental SEA? It is just the instrument that members of the Dhafia would use to cut fingers. (joke) :D

Nice item, however I would say that it is rather newly made, looking at the style of koftgari work.

[B.I]

henry brownrigg wrote a great book on betel nut cutters and is believed to be the authority on them. the book catalogued the biggest collection of them, put together by samuel eilenberg. eilenberg died a short while ago, and a friend of mine has bought a large part of the collection (some 130 pieces and still adding) some dating back 1000 years.
henry has a personal passion for india and travels there every year. his book is not expensive, and easily found. i feel it may hold some answers for you.

[Alam Shah]

Betel Cutters from the Samuel Eilenberg Collection

by Henry Brownrigg,
http://www.selectbooks.com.sg/getTitle.cfm?SBNum=12909 (http://www.selectbooks.com.sg/getTitle.cfm?SBNum=12909)

A good value at only 30+ dollars. :)

[fernando]

I have just bought the book.
Thank you B.I. for the track, and thank you Alam for the adress.