Lombok Lady Hilt

Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.

Details of this item

Price

-

Status

Reserved

Region

South East Asia (Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines)
(Lombok, Indonesia)

Period

19th century

Materials

Wood

Price

Reserved

Status

Reserved

Region

South East Asia (Burma, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines)

(Lombok, Indonesia)

Period

19th century

Materials

Wood

Description

A popular Malay tradition is the use of sirih-chewing ‘areca‘ or ‘betel‘ nut which is traditionally chewed as a social and cultural practice, often during ceremonies or daily rituals, symbolizing hospitality, respect, and communal bonding. The ceremony of chewing betel nut is used with a combination of attributes such as lime, chalk, leafs and a crusher. These crushers are often decorated with decorative hilts made of wood or karbouw horn.

This example:

Attributed to Lombok, where they have a tradition of carving the most elaborate hilts depicting birds, humans and mythical creatures. Our example here depicts an elderly woman carrying her dress and being surrounded by foliage. She wears a traditional style hair dress and shows an intriguing facial expression.

Dating from the late 19th century with a good glossy patina.

 

Lombok Lady Hilt

Condition

Good condition

Dimensions

Height: 9.5cm

Width: 3.5cm

Weight

42g.

Comparable items

Provenance

Private Dutch collection

Literature

Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.
Wooden hilt of a betelnut crusher depicting an elder lady in traditional clothing. Lombok, 19th century.