Betel nut Mortar c.1900
Betel nut mortar originating from the Oceanic islands, possibly Papa New Guinea.
Early to mid 20th century
Split face from age.
People from this region use betel nut, the fruit of the areca palm, which is chewed with lime made from burnt shells or coral and other substances to produce a mild stimulant effect.
The cup-like object seen here is a betel nut mortar, used by individuals who have lost their teeth to aid in chewing betel nut. When chewing, the individual periodically places the nut and a small quantity of lime in the mortar and crushes it with a pestle to release the active ingredients before placing it back in the mouth.
Some betel nut mortars, carried by male elders, served as marks of secular and religious authority. Often adorned with images of spirits, ancestors, or other supernatural beings, some also had magical properties.
9cm x 20cm
Betel nut mortar originating from the Oceanic islands, possibly Papa New Guinea.
Early to mid 20th century
Split face from age.
People from this region use betel nut, the fruit of the areca palm, which is chewed with lime made from burnt shells or coral and other substances to produce a mild stimulant effect.
The cup-like object seen here is a betel nut mortar, used by individuals who have lost their teeth to aid in chewing betel nut. When chewing, the individual periodically places the nut and a small quantity of lime in the mortar and crushes it with a pestle to release the active ingredients before placing it back in the mouth.
Some betel nut mortars, carried by male elders, served as marks of secular and religious authority. Often adorned with images of spirits, ancestors, or other supernatural beings, some also had magical properties.
9cm x 20cm
Betel nut mortar originating from the Oceanic islands, possibly Papa New Guinea.
Early to mid 20th century
Split face from age.
People from this region use betel nut, the fruit of the areca palm, which is chewed with lime made from burnt shells or coral and other substances to produce a mild stimulant effect.
The cup-like object seen here is a betel nut mortar, used by individuals who have lost their teeth to aid in chewing betel nut. When chewing, the individual periodically places the nut and a small quantity of lime in the mortar and crushes it with a pestle to release the active ingredients before placing it back in the mouth.
Some betel nut mortars, carried by male elders, served as marks of secular and religious authority. Often adorned with images of spirits, ancestors, or other supernatural beings, some also had magical properties.
9cm x 20cm