Vintage Brass Betel Box Wow

Its a brass betel box, also known as a paan-daan or tamrapatra.Purpose: These boxes were traditionally used to store betel leaves, areca nuts (also known as betel nuts), slaked lime, and other ingredients used in the chewing of betel quid.Betel boxes, like the one pictured, are often ornately designed and serve both functional and decorative purposes.The pictured box is octagonal with a hinged lid and features intricate patterns and possibly Arabic script, suggesting a Middle Eastern or South Asian origin.Cultural Significance: Betel chewing is a common practice in many parts of South and Southeast Asia, and these boxes played a role in the social ritual of offering and consuming betel quid.Very good pre-owned condition overall.