Collection Myanmar

Betel box

Caixa de bétele

Bamboo, lacquer Bagan Konbaung period, 19th c. (last quarter) Inv. CA-CFC. 712

Betel boxes and the betel habit

Historically every household had at least one cylindrical lacquer betel box to hold the ingredients of the little leaf-wraps; these are held between cheek and teeth and slowly savoured. Betel was offered and consumed by men and women during everyday social exchange and featured at all special occasions and ceremonies.