Betel Nut and Lime Carrier

Made:
1801-1900 in India
Pierced brass betel nut box, Indian, 1801-1900 Pierced brass betel nut box, Indian, 19th century

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Pierced brass betel nut box, Indian, 1801-1900
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Pierced brass betel nut box, Indian, 19th century
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Pierced brass betel nut box, Indian, 1801-1900

Betel nuts and limes were contained in this pierced metal box. Betel nut is taken in many areas of the world as a narcotic, a substance that relieves pain and alters mood and behaviour. It is often mixed with ingredients such as lime to produce feelings of mild euphoria. Too much can have a sedative effect. Betel nut chewers are recognisable by the distinctive red staining on their teeth, mouth and gums.

Details

Category:
Asian Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A23317
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) and complete
Measurements:
overall: 165 mm 55 mm, .31kg
type:
box - container and betel nut
credit:
Knight, Frank and Rutley