A Dutch-colonial Indonesian tortoiseshell sirih or betel box with gold mounts

Batavia (Jakarta), early 19th century, apparently unmarked

H. 5 x W. 18 x D. 13 cm

Provenance:
Private collection, the Hague

Before settling down to business in the former Dutch East Indies, sirih had to be offered in the most exquisite boxes of gold, silver, inlaid with precious stones, ivory, or tortoiseshell. The costliness of one’s sirih box displayed one’s fortunes. Sirih or Betel boxes with gold mounts are rare because the gold was often melted down in times of dire need. This particular box belonged to an Indonesian owner because it has a fob lock. Steeling in Indonesian culture means the one who got caught would have to live with one hand or not continue living at all. So, a lock was not needed. However, having a European ‘lock’ in your betel box was rather fashionable.