Antique Sumatra / Indonesian sterling silver betel nut box, with incised scalloped edges and inlay of flowers, draping vine handles, raised on four small legs, original key included. The interior houses four compartments with a small oval box and two spoons, as well as a small container with white residue of slaked lime. The practice of betel nut chewing is common in many parts of South Asia. Slices of the areca nut would be wrapped in betel leaves and chewed, giving a mild stimulant effect. Sometimes tobacco and slaked lime would be included in the betel nut mixture as this releases the alkaloid of the nut. Colonial Period

Size: 4.25" L x 3" W x 2" H