Betel nut cutter
Artist:
India
Date: 19th century, maybe
Medium: Wood, paint, glass, brass
Classification: Tools and Equipment
Object number: 1998.24.1
DescriptionTwo nearly identical betel (areca) nut cutters. They are two handled, with insets of painted wood, light green on one side and red on the other secured to the metal with decorative nails or screws. The ends of the handles are stylized birds, decorated with pieces of glass of varying sizes in clear, red and green. The cutting portions are rounded on one side and straight on the other, like a "D". The blade comes down on the flat side. The outside of the D shape is decorated with circular green and red glass. On the inside of the D-shape are four circular mirrors towards the curved portion, and on the outside are two designs (similar to the ones on the bottom of the handles) along the curved portion. At the very top on the straight part of the D shape is a pointed finial. 1998.24.1 LA is the one where the green side of the handle is facing up the curve is to the left. 1998.24.2 LA is opposite.