Container - Brass - betel nut stamper
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Antique Southeast Asian betel nut stamp, known locally as a pelacok, gobe or tumbuk pinang, with a brass body and hardwood handle, dating from the late 19th century to early 1900 and originating from Palembang, Sumatra; dimensions 20.5 × 3.8 × 3.8 cm, weight 315 g, in excellent original condition with decorative lotus and tumpal motifs, and including a rare original loose inner cap.
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Description from the seller
A very beautiful and completely executed specimen of an antique Southeast Asian betel nut stamper, locally known in the region as a pelacok, gobe, or tumbuk pinang. This clever utilitarian object dates from the late nineteenth to the very early [period], and most likely originates from Sumatra, Palembang region. The object was traditionally used by prosperous citizens or elders to finely crush the hard areca nut and grind it into a chewable substance for the betel ritual.
The base and the handle of this stamper are made of heavy, cast-brass that has been hand-finished. The exterior is richly decorated with traditional motifs, including stylized lotus leaves and the characteristic tumpal motif, which testify to a high level of local craftsmanship. A particularly luxurious detail is found on the back side of the handle, where a contrasting disc of red copper is decoratively riveted into the brass setting. The interior of the handle houses a sturdy, forged iron stamper pin that is anchored with an authentic solder joint and tapers into a functional chisel point.
What makes this specific example especially valuable to collectors is the rare presence of the original loose inner cap. This cap served at the time as a scraper. On the side there are two perfectly aligned casting holes through which the set could be carried horizontally on a belt. The object is in excellent and fully original condition with a beautiful, deep patina of wear and minimal surface rust on the iron, appropriate to its respectable age. The total dimensions are 20.5 by 3.8 by 3.8 centimeters when the object is assembled, with a substantial total weight of 315 grams.
The stamper pin (the iron blade with the brass handle) is designed to sit completely loose inside the case. During use, the owner had to be able to move the stamper up and down freely to finely chop the areca nut at the bottom of the case. There is no internal mechanism or screw thread that would lock the handle when the set is open, causing the stamper to drop out if you invert the case.
Dimensions: 20.5 x 3.8 x 3.8 cm
Weight: 315 g
A very beautiful and completely executed specimen of an antique Southeast Asian betel nut stamper, locally known in the region as a pelacok, gobe, or tumbuk pinang. This clever utilitarian object dates from the late nineteenth to the very early [period], and most likely originates from Sumatra, Palembang region. The object was traditionally used by prosperous citizens or elders to finely crush the hard areca nut and grind it into a chewable substance for the betel ritual.
The base and the handle of this stamper are made of heavy, cast-brass that has been hand-finished. The exterior is richly decorated with traditional motifs, including stylized lotus leaves and the characteristic tumpal motif, which testify to a high level of local craftsmanship. A particularly luxurious detail is found on the back side of the handle, where a contrasting disc of red copper is decoratively riveted into the brass setting. The interior of the handle houses a sturdy, forged iron stamper pin that is anchored with an authentic solder joint and tapers into a functional chisel point.
What makes this specific example especially valuable to collectors is the rare presence of the original loose inner cap. This cap served at the time as a scraper. On the side there are two perfectly aligned casting holes through which the set could be carried horizontally on a belt. The object is in excellent and fully original condition with a beautiful, deep patina of wear and minimal surface rust on the iron, appropriate to its respectable age. The total dimensions are 20.5 by 3.8 by 3.8 centimeters when the object is assembled, with a substantial total weight of 315 grams.
The stamper pin (the iron blade with the brass handle) is designed to sit completely loose inside the case. During use, the owner had to be able to move the stamper up and down freely to finely chop the areca nut at the bottom of the case. There is no internal mechanism or screw thread that would lock the handle when the set is open, causing the stamper to drop out if you invert the case.
Dimensions: 20.5 x 3.8 x 3.8 cm
Weight: 315 g
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
315 g
Specific region of origin
Palembang, Sumatra
Title additional information
betel nut stamper
Country of origin
Indonesia
Material
Brass
Indigenous object name
Pelacok, gobeh of pounding areca nuts
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
20.5 cm
Width
3.8 cm
Depth
3.8 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
