S/1819 19th Century Bamboo and Whicker Flask

A 19th century bamboo and whicker flask for lime paste, used with the betel nut, from the Taba Batat Tribe in North Sumatra.

The carved wood monkey head stopper is above a whicker band, with a further adjustable narrow band to cover the hole for dispensing the powder or paste. It is decorated with a pin prick design of a lizard below, and has a woven whicker spreading foot. The whole is in good condition.

Sold 6 in. (15 cm.) High
1½ in. (4 cm.) Diameter Sumatran Circa 1870-1880