box (containers); lid (containers); saucer (containers)

Lacquered wooden box in the shape of a mangosteen. The bowl-shaped box-section is brown on the outside, and red on the inside, with the foot consisting of a circle divided into 8 petal-shape. The domed lid is brown on the outside, and red on the inside. The stem and top which is divided into four segments are gold-coloured. The footed saucer is brown on the top, and red on the underside, apart from the foot, which is plain.

This type of box was used as a container for such things as betel ingredients. The fruit represented is of symbolic significance in Malay culture.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
2003.1077
PLACE
COLLECTION
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
wood; lacquer
CATEGORY
Anthropology: Ethnography
SHAREABLE LINK

Continue exploring anthropology

Collection Information

These objects are only a part of our collections, of which there are more than 350,000 objects. This information comes from our collections database. Some of this is incomplete and there may be errors. This part of the website is also still under construction, so there may be some fields repeated or incorrectly formatted information.

The database retains language taken from historical documents to help research. Please note that some records may feature language and reflect systems of thinking that are outdated and offensive. The database also includes information on objects that are considered secret or sacred by some communities.

If you have any further information about objects in our collections, can suggest corrections to our information or if you see content requiring immediate action, please contact us: enquiry@horniman.ac.uk