Garuda-Shaped Indonesian Betel Nutcracker early 20th century the smaller 4 3/8" diameter

the smaller 4 3/8" diameter and 1 1/4" tall

Absolutely exquisite

as accurately documented in photos

a member of the Committee of the Irish Exhibition of Living Art and a member of the Royal Hibernian Academy

with some aging to the surface as accurately depicted in the photos

Garuda-Shaped Indonesian Betel Nutcracker early 20th century the smaller 4 3/8" diameterThis 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