Title
Bag for betel nuts
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th century
Region
Timor, Lesser Sunda Islands
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: L56.1 x W16.5 cm
Accession No.
1997-04248
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng
This bag is decorated with geometric motifs. 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.
