Sirih boxes

[Sajen]

Here some sirih boxes, all collected on Halmahera, Moluccas, Indonesia. Except one are all in found condition, only two I've cleaned. Some I've sold, some I've given as small present. I've seen that this are a common style found all over in Indonesia, I've seen similar ones from Sumatra and Sulawesi, some has been from silver.

[colin henshaw]

Hi Detlef

Interesting little boxes. I've sometimes seen these around in different shapes ... from the white lime ? deposits, presumably they are for use with betel preparation and consumption ?

Regards.

[Sajen]

Interesting little boxes. I've sometimes seen these around in different shapes ... from the white lime ? deposits, presumably they are for use with betel preparation and consumption ?

Hi Colin,

exactly! :) Marcus has provided a link to his own collection in the thread about betel cutters (kacip) and show a similar box from the Philippines: http://papke.med.ufl.edu/cutters.html
And "sirih" is explained here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpost.php?p=213485&postcount=10

Best regards,
Detlef

[colin henshaw]

Thanks Detlef.

On the subject of betel-chewing, it would be appropriate to mention here that the knowledgable London Asian Art specialist and author of the book "Betel Cutters", Henry Brownrigg, sadly passed away a little while ago.

Kind regards,
Colin

[Marcus]

Burmese Lacquerware Betel Nut Box (Kun-It) with Brass Hand-Crafted Nut Cutter.

I agree that the Brownrigg book is very helpful.