A large Philippine silver inlaid brass betel boxes (lutuan). Betel chewing is a common custom and ritual in much of southern Asia and Pacific. The practice involves areca nut wrapped in betel leaves, often mixed with powered lime, and gives a slight stimulant effect. The box with three interior compartments, ones each for the seed and lime, flanking a large central space for betel leaves. With old coin wheels and removable inlaid compartment tray. Early 20th century 12 ½” long x 5 ½” wide x 6 ¾” high
