Bamboo Lime Container

The decoration on this bamboo lime container, made from a mixture of charcoal and tree sap rubbed into incised lines, resemble local designs used in tattooing and wood carving.Many Melanesians use the lime in a mixture of leaves and nuts which they chew to produce a mild stimulant. This is known as ‘betel-chewing’ (named after the leaves used). It was usual for people to ‘chew’ after meals and on numerous other occasions.