Betel Nut Bag (Aluk)

Indonesian, West Timor

mid 20th century

Medium/Technique Cotton, tapestry-woven and twined; glass beads, seeds, coins, plated palm fiber, coconut shell (?), carved wood and animal hair

Dimensions Overall bag: 33 x 22.9 cm (13 x 9 in.)

Credit Line Gift of Judith Manelis

Accession Number2012.831

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAsia, Contemporary Art, Fashion and Textiles

ClassificationsTextiles

DescriptionBetel Bag (Aluk) made of cotton tapestry with diamond shaped motif, edged with cotton fabric, twined shoulder strap trimmed with coins and beads, edged along sides with animal hair and beads, bottom with large trade beads and coins. Coins are Dutch, dating to 1945. Attached to the sides of the bag are six objects: two wooden flute-like objects, two wooden lidded containers, a plaited raffia container, and a coconut shell (?) spoon.

ProvenanceAbout 1990, purchased at an antique store, Deer Isle, ME by Judith Manelis, Lexington, MA; 2012, gift of Judith Manelis to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 24, 2012)