Deer
horn lime container from Luzon cordillera.
Betel chewing is an ancient tradition that probably
originated in the islands of Southeast Asia; it grew widespread enough for
Herodotus to have written about it in 340 B.C.E.. In the Philippines it is
still an important part of everyday life and social custom, and is an essential
tool in courtship.
The
pulp of the areca palm nut is extracted for chewing.
The
leaf of the betel pepper vine is an essential part of the chew.
The
areca and a dab of burnt-shell lime are wrapped in the leaf for chewing; more
lime is sprinkled on the outside. Many people wrap a wad of tobacco inside the
leaf as well.
Ifugao
lime containers of incised bamboo
Betel is said to clean the teeth,
sweeten the breath, keep the gums healthy, warm the chewer, and, of course,
provide a certain energy boost. The hardware used in chewing it provides an
important outlet for artisans.
Pig-shaped
stone lime box, probably of Ifugao manufacture. The pig is a favorite animal
for sculpture.
On Mindanao and
in other Moslem-influenced areas, betel boxes are generally made of brass,
cast using the lost-wax technique. The Maranao of Lake Lanao are especially
noted for their betel boxes.
Old betel box, perhaps of Tausug manufacture.
This betel box was an archaeological discovery
on the Visayan island of Cebu. It is thought to be 200-300 years old. Brass
with silver inlay.
