Vintage 1970s Betel Nut Lime Container, Indonesia Kaif Abstract Decorative Art, Tribal Ethnic Primitive Art from Timor Island, Handmade Perfume Bottle with Totem Lizard Engravings and Man Head Topper, Genuine Engraved Kaif Motif Amulet, Hand Carved Man Figurine Sculpture, Rustic Vanity Bottle, Decorative Etched Canister, Ethnic Home Decor, Boho Ethnic Collectibles, Timor Highland Atoni People Amanatun DIstrict

For your consideration is a lime container from the Highlands of West Timor carved or etched with motif "kaif", symbol of kinship and power and totemic lizards. The decoration goes all around into the surface and the bottle is sealed with wood stoppers having a man head as accent. The artifact has a mature patina and is in excellent condition. The patina is deep and rich, original sign of antiquity. The Highland Atoni People have always been enthusiastic practitioners of the betel nut ceremony which has both formal and informal formats. The artifact is in excellent condition and there is some residual lime powder in the container.

Chewing the mixture of areca nut and betel leaf is a tradition, custom or ritual which dates back thousands of years in much of the geographical areas from South Asia eastward to the Pacific. It constitutes an important and popular cultural activity in many Asian and Oceanic countries, It is not known how or when the areca nut and the betel leaf were first combined into one psychoactive drug. Archaeological evidence from Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines suggests they have been used in tandem for at least 4000 years.

Dimensions 7.5" inches tall / Weight approx 82 grams / All measurements are approximated