This rare brass betel nut box is in the form of a hornbill. It shows the bird perched with a thin, long worm in and around its beak.
There are three ‘feet’ or wheels on the base of the container. Both wings and the tail feathers are hinged and lift up to reveal containers for the various elements of the betel quid. The tail feather section is divided into three areas and has traces of powdered lime, an essential part of the betel quid. Islamic inscriptions can be seen on the sides of the container.
