Round Brass Betel Nut Container

Brass betel nut container was designed to securely store the ingredients for preparing a betel quid (kinangan). In the middle of the lid there is a handle for the holder which is surrounded by smaller compartments for betel leaves (daun sirih), lime (kapur), areca nut (pinang), and gambier (gambir), each shaped like a mangosteen. Beyond its practical function, this container symbolized status and prestige, as betel chewing and offering betel were integral rituals in daily life and ceremonies, shaping social and business etiquette. In Palembang, Sumatra, betel chewing has been a tradition since the 19th century. Historical records show that the Sultan of the Palembang Sultanate regarded the betel container as an essential item, carried by his servants as a symbol of power and authority

circa 1950
Origin: Palembang, South Sumatra
Material: Brass
Dimension:
Storage 19 x 16 x 16 cm
Lime Container 3,1 x 3 x 3 cm
Container A 6,1 x 5,5 x 5,5 cm
Container B 6 x 5 x 5 cm
Container C 5,4 x 5 x 5 cm
Cone A 6,5 x 7,4 x 4,3 cm
Cone B 7,3 x 7 x 4,3 cm