Tepak Sirih - The Tepak Sirih is a metal container used to store paan leaves and other accompanying ingredients. It is usually made of brass or copper. It houses several small containers with lids as well as what is called a 'kacip' or a cutting tool to cut or shave the betel nut before putting them into the leaf with the other ingredients and carefully wrapped up before chewing.
In each of the small containers are lime stone paste or slaked lime, shaved betel nut, gambir and tobacco. Fresh paan leaves are placed alongside with the kacip or in the compartment below.
The tepak sirih is signifilcant in the Malay culture – used in traditional dances and as gifts during engagements and weddings. The tepak sirih is beautifully decorated befitting the occasion.
No comments:
Post a Comment