Garuda-Shaped Indonesian Betel Nutcracker inuit 5ʺw × 8ʺd × 5ʺh

5ʺw × 8ʺd × 5ʺh

I've lately been having fantasies of a huge antique wooden desk with lots of surface for all sorts of old school desk accessories

this piece was purchased from an estate in Newton

green and orange

Garuda-Shaped Indonesian Betel Nutcracker inuit 5ʺw × 8ʺd × 5ʺhThis Garuda shaped Indonesian nutcracker, presumed early 20th century, would originally have used to cut pieces of Areca nut commonly referred to as betel nut, and actually a fruit in order to make chewing betel. A cultural tradition in Southest Asia practiced for thousands of years, a few slices of "betal nut" are wrapped in betel leaf, sometimes spiced, and chewed for their effects as a mild stimulant. At present, I think it certainly could still be