Title
Bag
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
Palembang, South Sumatra
Object Type
Dimension
Object size: L27.4 x W18 cm
Accession No.
1997-04472
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng
This bag is decorated with an appliqué of cloths arranged in floral patterns. It could have been used to contain betel nut. Betel nut is a stimulant chewed with sireh leaves and lime to create a mildly euphoric effect, and betel nut chewing has existed in Southeast Asia since at least the beginning of the Common Era. The exchange of betel nut has a ritual role as it is exchanged at ceremonies such as the meeting of traditional leaders and during betrothals.
