Betel Nut Bag Aluk Full Bead Party Hand Made Diamond Tribal West Timor Indonesia

Description

W1885 – Another serious betel nut bag but this time on the other end of the scale….its party time.

These skillfully made bags are worn to celebratory occasions such as weddings, naming’s, crop rituals and funerals throughout TTS in West Timor.

Aluk , saku Mens Betel nut bag. The motif is diamond which speaks of the weavers’ clan and ancestor spirits, the handle has also been decorated with beads. The internal is fully lined. The weaver has cut the red of a school uniform to make a bag inside the bead outer. Completely hand made.

Oh the things that are in a betel nut bag….we have a glimpse inside one in the images.

Handwoven by the wonderful weaving women of West Timor [4Ws!] every one unique.

Perfect for when you are heading out or for your genuine betel nut paraphernalia collection .

20cm  /  8″ tall

21cm / 8.5″ wide

140cm / 55″ length of handle

400g / 14oz

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.