Bhutanese Lime Betel Box

Size:

Diameter 4,8 cm, 3,5cm high

Region:

Bhutan

Type:

Lime Betel Box  (chaka)

Age/Period:

early20th century

Material:

Low grade silver, copper, inside covered with red felt

Condition:

very good, with nice patina

Description:

The bottom is copper, engraved with an eight spoked wheel

Bhutan has a culture of betel chewing in the manner of India and Southeast Asia. Lime is an integral part of the betel quid. Bhutanese mean would have carried a container such as this in their robes or attached to their belt, which held powdered lime.

The container is in two halves which are kept together by a ring

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