Kacip Betel Cutter
Bali, Indonesia
Steel, silver and copper
19th century
8” (20cm) long by 2.5” (6cm) tall
A fine 19th century Balinese Kacip betel chopper. The finely forged iron is in the form of a horse. There is intricate chisel work designs on the surface, and the handles have silver sleeves with copper caps. Commonly known as “betel cutters” these finally made tools were used for cutting the Areca palm nut, that is then wrapped in a Betel leave with lime to be chewed. There is much ceremony that goes into the chewing of Betel, and the high quality of this piece would have been made for an important person. Mounted on a custom metal base.
$950
