Antique Betel Nut Box / Tobacco Box
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:24122660 | Primary Material: Mixed Materials |
| Region of Origin: Southeast Asia | Original/Reproduction: Vintage Original |
| Color: Silver |
Up for bid is a Betel Nut Box w label ‘Moro tobacco box, Palawan, P.I. Oct. 1945’. (Moro are a group of people in southern part of the Philippine Islands.) The Betel Nut is a mild stimulant. The ceremonial & habitual chewing of the nut involves 4 ingredients: Areca nut, fresh pepper leaves, powder lime & damp tobacco leaves. Inside this box are 3 small hinged metal boxes which would have held the first 3 ingredients. The white residue on the small round box is slaked lime(c...alcium hydroxide), which releases the alkaloid in the betel nut. Also there is a wooden divider, which appears to be hand carved. Hinges appear to have been repaired. Normal wear & tear are consistent with age & usage. There are no markings on boxes to determine the metal that was used for their construction. Condition is as found. Purchased at an estate sale where family members indicated that item was brought back to US by military member.
