This pretty little Indian brass box is from Kerala in South India and is often referred to as a 'vettile chellam'. It would have been used for storing components used in the chewing of paan. Paan is a preparation, which combines small parcels of betel leaves, areca nuts, slaked lime, and tobacco which are then chewed for their stimulant and psychoactive effects.

Paan boxes are found across Asia and due to the wide variety of styles and designs, they have become very popular with collectors. They're perfect for storing jewelry or as a desk tidy. 

The lock is typical of South Indian boxes and matches those used on nettur petti Kerala boxes.

Dimensions:

22.5 x 11 x 8 (wxdxh cms)

From India

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