Sarota - Betel nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Finish - Black Lacquer the piece balances robust functionality

the piece balances robust functionality with strong decorative presence

an area that uses predominantly red elm

dates to the 19th century and represents the robust

Wear it loosely around the neck

It is unusually polychromed

Sarota - Betel nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Finish - Black Lacquer the piece balances robust functionalityThis 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 19th century. Many sarota were produced in Kutch, Gujarat which was a hub for production. They are fun to collect as they are so diverse