1983.99 Betel nut bag (kalimbut hada)

A favorite motif for Sumbanese textiles and beadwork is the frontal male figure shown with upraised arms and very large feet. Often described as an ancestor figure, he usually dominates the scene, as the figure does on this rare, royal bag, which contained a raja’s betel nut and the paraphernalia needed for chewing it. Generic birds, grazing deer, geometric elements, and orange, omega-shaped mamuli (gold ornaments like the one on display in this gallery) fill the surrounding space. Royal beaded bags could be made only by women of noble lineage using beads that were believed to be sacred and valuable gifts of the ancestors.

The ancient practice of chewing betel nut is firmly embedded in the social and religious fabric of Indonesia. It is offered as a sign of hospitality in the home and to the spirits during rituals and ceremonies. Betel nut is a mild stimulant, similar to a cup of coffee.

Roslyn Adele Walker, Label text, 2013.

1970s: Seth Hersh, Dallas, Texas, collected in Indonesia

Until 1983: Steven G. Alpert, Dallas ,Texas, purchased from Seth Hersh, Dallas, Texas

1983: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from above [1]

Notes:

The main source for this provenance is the Pacific American Corp. document titled "Dallas Museum of Art: The Steven G. Alpert Collection of Indonesian Textiles" in the Collections Records file labeled Steven G. Alpert—Indonesian Textiles. Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[1] See pages 1-4 of the correspondence between Harry S. Parker and Pacific American Corp. dated October 5, 1983, in the Collections Records file labeled Steven G. Alpert—Indonesian Textiles. 

Apply to objects where number equals 1983.99