Here we have a vintage to antique traditional “Tongal” wooden tobacco or lime (for betel) box, from Sumba island, Indonesia. This piece would be circa first half of 20th century.
The box is made from eucalyptus wood (Eucalyptus sumbaensis), with the top half being ebonized, and with unusual saw-edged fitting design. Due to the nature of these containers used to store valuables or one’s tobacco or lime for betel nut chewing, these were highly prized and often presented as wedding ceremony gifts. They were secured and attached to belts by a hand twined vegetal fiber string as can be seen here.
A rare and interesting piece of betel paraphernalia.
Price marked at $350 AUD.
Measurements: 12cm high, 13 cm across.
Very good vintage to antique condition with minor wear overall commensurate with age. Patina to wood commensurate with age.
