Medium Betel Nut Box, Maranao, Southern Philippines (Mindanao) - bronze/brass 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 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: 3.75 inches high x 8 inches long x 3.5 inches deep. (9.5 x 20.4 x 9 cm).
6 lbs. 1 oz. (2748 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