Title
Malay Sireh Set
Year/Period
Early 20th century
Region
Singapore
Material
Dimension
Gross measurement: Refer to parts
Accession No.
2011-03013
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Mr and Mrs Lee Kip Lee
Betel chewing is a common habit among the Malay and Peranakan Chinese community. Betel was often offered to visitors to one’s home - it was a token of friendship and amicability. Tempat sireh (sireh set) is an important and symbolic element in the Malayan and Peranakan culture. This betel nut paraphernalia comes complete with four receptacles (to store various ingredients used in betel-chewing), a pair of betel-cutting shears in the shape of a rooster and a bekas sireh. Intricately carved over brass, this set is patterned with elaborate floral motifs. The foliage shaped brass bowl holding the set can also hold food such as fruits.
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