Tribal Moro Silver and Brass Betel Nut Container

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Tribal Moro Silver and Brass Betel Nut Container

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Sold Date: 02/22/2008
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Ethnic, Folk & Native American Art

The item is a brass and silver betel nut container, commonly used by Filipino tribes. The betel nut, or nganga , is chewed with tobacco leaf and lye, and is used to color the teeth of the chewer. It was the belief of Filipino tribes that, since animals had white teeth, their own teeth needed to be colored in recognition of their superiority over the animals.

This particular box is special because it was made from metal and inlaid with silver, something reserved only for tribal datu or sultans. The intricate detail of the silver inlays point to considerable skill in the making, and it took us quite a bit of effort to restore due to the delicate nature of the silver inlays.

The motif is from the Southern Mindanao panonolong and uses mixed male and female imagery, as well as the use of naga motifs all over the piece.

Being made of solid brass, it is quite heavy, weighing over 10 lbs. It's dimensions are 22 cm. x 11.5 cm x 13 cm. In the interior shots, we did not clean the interior to show what each compartment contained when it was used as a betel nut container. However, if you wish, we can easily clean the interior as the box can be used as a very good jewelry case as well.

This is another rare piece from the Southern Region of the Philippines. Acquisition of these pieces are very difficult due to the remoteness of the locations w these can be found.

Returns are only allowed if the item is not damaged in any way and is in the same condition as received. Contact me at for any further questions or clarifications. Good luck!