Betel box
Place of OriginMindanao, Philippines
Dateapprox. 1900-1970
CultureMaranao people
MaterialsBrass with inlaid silver
DimensionsH. 4 1/4 in x W. 8 1/4 in x D. 3 3/4 in, H. 10.8 cm x W. 21 cm x D. 9.5 cm
Credit LineGift of Naomi Lindstrom
Object number2010.556
DepartmentSoutheast Asian Art
ClassificationsMetal Arts
On View
Not on viewThe Maranao people of the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines are particularly renowned for their inlaid brass betel boxes. These boxes, sometimes decorated with intricate scrolls of inlaid silver, often contain four compartments for the ingredients involved in rolling a betel quid, or wad: the sliced areca nut (a mild stimulant), betel leaves, lime powder, and tobacco. Octagonal brass boxes were also produced to hold these substances.
It was considered polite to offer every visitor a betel quid. Historical reports from the early twentieth century emphasize the importance of these boxes as status symbols; some wealthy homes contained hundreds of such containers.
approx. 1900-1970
1650-1700
approx. 1700
1500-1650
1000-1200
approx. 1875 - 1925
approx. 1700-1750
1970-1980
1850-1910