Betel Nut Lime Container Buffalo Horn Traditional Croc Motif West Timor Indonesia

Description

TK1704: The carver of this elegant lime container has worked his interpretation of 2 fat bellied crocodile or BESI motif accentuated with bands of scroll work into the buffalo horn body.

He has created a hand-carved ancestor spirit from buffalo horn [very tricky to carve so small] that acts as the plug and added a redwood base. The use of the natural curve of the horn adds to the character of this fine piece.

16cm tall x 8cm dia.

6.5″ tall x 2.5″ dia.

70g / 2.3oz.

Place of Lime / Betel Nut / Tobacco / Siri – TEMPAT KAPUR / KAL AU: In these humble pieces we find Timorese art at its most unaffected. The art of betel nut chewing and its accessories finds no equal when it comes to Timor. Rich in meaning and deeply embedded in its culture, the Atoni have elevated the rituals surrounding it to great heights artistically as well as ceremonially. Still made and used daily, created by hand from bamboo, bone, coconut shell, gourd, buffalo horn and wood each is a unique and original masterpiece in its own right.

If you wish to gather multiple treasures, and international buyers are welcome, this website and shop cart should allow for it. If not, I will contact you to find the most economical way to send your treasures to you.

I am Julie and have been collecting Timorese Treasures in the field since 1990 when I won a prize for overseas travel in a pub in Darwin [true]. I had no idea at the time that I had stumbled upon an Aladdin’s cave of authentic traditional tribal textiles and treasures. I have been returning annually ever since [well most years] and been witness to many changes across the last 3 decades.

Clearly none of us are sure what will happen post COVID, but I do know that the villagers, carvers and weavers up in the mountains will be grateful when some outside dollars come into their informal/circular economy. Therefore, every purchase you choose to make with me will benefit the Atoni [people of West Timor] as soon as I can get back there.

I distribute reading glasses and nutritious food seeds as the soil in the western half of Timor is very poor and water a very precious resource. Please contact me if you wish to contribute.