Sarota - Betel nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Material - Jichimu 15 x 2 x 19

15 x 2 x 19

The polished marble surface enhances the precision of the carving

This isn't an antique

In recognition of this extraordinary legacy

These antique brass chapati boxes originate from Rajasthan in Northern India and date to the early 20th century

Sarota - Betel nut Cutter from Rajasthan - 19th Century Material - Jichimu 15 x 2 x 19This 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