Asian Antique offers Burmese Betel Nut Cutter

From Mandalay, Burma, this 19th century betel nut cutter is made from bronze with a steel blade.
Betel nut when chewed provides a mild intoxication. This was a popular habit throughout much of SE Asia and remains so today in many places.
It is commonly chewed after being ground up or sliced, then wrapped in leaves of the piper betel vine, and coated with lime; known as a betel quid. Tobacco or flavourful spices may also be added.

Characteristics:
Length: 17 cm, 61/2 in
Width: 9 cm, 31/2 in
Period: 19th Century

The previous owner believed this was an early surgical tool used for circumcision - now offers how painful would that be....