Portable Brass Betel & Lime Container in the form of a Mridangam Drum
South India or Sri Lanka
19th century
length: 13.5cm, diameter: 5.4cm
This unusual beautiful betel container is designed to be worn suspended from the neck. It opens at
either end. A shallow compartment at one end is for lime. It still contains lime residue. The other,
deeper compartment at the other end is for holding paan (betel). Its form, which is rarely
encountered,mirrors the much larger mridangam drum that is similarly worn.
The mridangam (pronounced 'mur-dung-ughm') is a two-headed, double conical-shaped drum used in
southern India, particularly in Karnataka, in classical Karnatak music. It is played with the hands,
fingers and palms.
This betel box has a lovely warm colour and patina. The edges have been softened from many years
of use.
Inventory no.: 673
South India or Sri Lanka
19th century
length: 13.5cm, diameter: 5.4cm
This unusual beautiful betel container is designed to be worn suspended from the neck. It opens at
either end. A shallow compartment at one end is for lime. It still contains lime residue. The other,
deeper compartment at the other end is for holding paan (betel). Its form, which is rarely
encountered,mirrors the much larger mridangam drum that is similarly worn.
The mridangam (pronounced 'mur-dung-ughm') is a two-headed, double conical-shaped drum used in
southern India, particularly in Karnataka, in classical Karnatak music. It is played with the hands,
fingers and palms.
This betel box has a lovely warm colour and patina. The edges have been softened from many years
of use.
Inventory no.: 673
