Antique Sumatra / Indonesian sterling silver betel nut box. Its sides are decorated by impressions of flowers and vines, as well as the corners of the lid with top handle. There are four lidded compartments and one open compartment inside with patina from use and remnants of slaked lime. Embossed silver hallmark on bottom of box.

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: 7.25" L x 5.5" W x 5.5" H