Early 1900’s Carved Redwood Lime Herbs Medicine Container

Region: East Timor  Indonesia

Height: approx. 8 inches / 20cm

Having resided in South East Asia and the Pacific region for several decades I've a developed passion for and a trading interest in artefacts of the region. This artefact is part of a large collection that I’m selling to downsize.

This early 1900’s two part tribal Lime powder / medicine container has a monkey perched on top of the two heads carved on top of the wooden stopper.

These containers held lime-powder which is an essential part of the betel nut mix. Chewed betel nut acts as a stimulant similar to caffeine or nicotine, which suppress hunger, reduces stress and heighten the senses. The containers are also used to hold powdered herbs and medicine.