Personal size Betel Nut Box, Maranao, Southern Philippines (Mindanao) - a mixed metal box having a brass body with bordered silver inlay design
overall of a symmetrical floral tendril vine pattern referred to as “the
okir pattern”, a traditional design for the Maranao people. This small
betel box is a rectangular body with a hinged lid, containing three
sectioned interior chambers covered with four hinged and decorated lids.
One of the smaller chambers is encrusted with slaked lime.
The box
details include chamfered upright corners and copper looped side
handles. This box was used for the storage of the betel leaf, areca nut
and chewing condiments.
Condition: Minor signs of age and use, otherwise fine.
Measuring: 2.75 inches high x 6 inches long x 2.75 inches deep. (7 x 15.3 x 7 cm).
Weight: 2 lbs. 10 oz. (1186 grams).
Early 20th century.
Provenance: U.S.A. art market.
For a similar example see: Casal, The People & Art of the
Philippines, p. 156, fig. XIV. and Cynthia Ongpen Valdes, Betel
Chewing in The Philippines, ARTS OF ASIA, Sep/Oct 2004.
http://www.lasieexotique.com/mag_betel/mag_betel.html