PAAN, BETEL & LIME HABIT PARAPHERNALIA

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 Betel is a mild stimulant chewed by about ten per cent of the world's population, in an area stretching from Africa to Papua New Guinea. The betel chew consists of the seed of the areca palm or 'betel nut', the fruit or leaf of the betel pepper vine, and mineral lime obtained from powdered seashells. The lime is kept in a container and taken to the mouth with an implement.  Depending on the region, the lime containers are made from gourds, bamboo, bone, carved wood, and often have finely detailed stoppers.

The medicinal qualities of the addictive areca nut is questionable, but it gives a feeling of euphoria, therefore is used by many to ease anxiety or pain.  The betel cutter played a major role in many facets of life such as entertaining, marriage, and the etiquette of the courts.