Koftgari Sarota - Betel Nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century

This antique Indian sarota, or betelnut cutter is a cross between scissors and nutcrackers. It is an excellent example of quality workmanship on a utility item. The frame is inlaid with silver using a technique called bidriwork (called koftgari work in India) and it is hinged with a brass pin. 

Sarotas are used to shave slivers from the areca (betel) nut which was then mixed with spices and wrapped in betel leaves to make paan. Paan was a stimulant chewed for its psychoactive effects. 

This simple iron sarota dates to the 19^th century. Many sarota were produced in Kutch, Gujarat which was a hub for production. They are fun to collect as they are so diverse and there are books published which follow their historical importance.

From India

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