Sarota - Betel nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century

This antique Indian sarota, or betelnut cutter is a cross between scissors and nutcrackers. They're 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.

Dimensions:

17 x 4.5 x 1 (wxdxh cms)

From India

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