Box Item Number: Ib259 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Two ornate round silver boxes with lids connected by two silver chains. The largest box has a hinged attached lid with fluted edges that fits over the raised portions of the silver at the opening. The box is ornately decorated with geometric designs on flat and raised surfaces. A silver ring is attached to the back with a double single link chain, leading to the smallest box which sits on a small silver base. It is an ornately engraved box of very fine swirl design on the outside. Another single chain is attached where the other chain joins from the large box and leads to the round lid. The top of the lid has a small silver spire ornately engraved in silver with fine geometric design.

History Of Use

Betel nuts were dried then sliced and stored in the larger box. Lime pellets were stored in the accompanying box. They were chewed together leaving a sweetish taste; they contained anthelmintic properties. Popular with the natives of the Malay Archipelago.

Cultural Context

For containing betel nuts and lime pellets.

Narrative

Collector obtained object from Tomok village.

Item History

What

Name
Box
Identification Number
Ib259
Type of Item
box
Material
silver metal
Manufacturing Technique
moulded and engraved
Overall
height 5.0 cm, width 8.0 cm, depth 7.0 cm

Who

Culture
Batak
Previous Owner
Wilhelm Helmer
Received from
Wilhelm Helmer (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Tomok, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

When

Creation Date
before 1976
Collection Date
during December 1976
Ownership Date
before March 9, 1977
Acquisition Date
on March 9, 1977

Other

Item Classes
metalwork
Condition
fair
Accession Number
0367/0006