Description:

Southern Philippines, Mindanao region, ca. 1900 to 1920s CE. A fine old box made of heavily cast bronze with pure silver inlay in the traditional Muslim "okir" scroll pattern, a very distinct motif often found on Maranao woodcarvings. Three inner compartments with hinged lids for betel nuts, as well as coca leaves and/or coca paste. White residue on edge is coca paste deposited from use, and is easily cleaned if desired. Flat-topped boxes such as this one are used by women, while boxes with a crowned lid are used by men. A wonderful example! Size: 3.25" L x 6.75" W x 3.25" H (8.3 cm x 17.1 cm x 8.3 cm).

Betel nut, for those unfamiliar, is a mild stimulant that is chewed throughout the Asian continent. The almost ceremonial and habitual chewing of the betel nut usually involves four ingredients: areca nut (bunga), fresh pepper leaves (buyo), powder lime (apug), and damp tobacco leaves. The white residue on edge is slaked lime (Calcium Hydroxide) which releases the alkaloid in the Betel Nut.

Provenance: Ex- Sarkisian Gallery, Denver, CO, acquired in the 1950's.

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#112777

  • Condition: Intact with minor surface wear and interior oxidation as shown. White substance in one compartment is likely lime.

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June 22, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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