Lutuan Betel Box

SOLD

6 3/4 long x 3 wide x 3 1/8 high inches

excellent condition

typical wear from age and use

 

Bronze and silver "lutuan" inlaid betel nut box with beaded strap. (rare to find strap intact). Beautiful  inlay  combining floral and geometric designs.  Strap is stunning, with geometric designs in red, yellow, black, blue, and white glass beads. Three inner compartments with hinged lids for betel nuts, coca leaves, and coca paste. Collected in 1973 on Mindanao Island, Jolo City. 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.

      

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