Betel nut cutter

Note: The following text is taken from a 19th-century collection catalog and, in its language and perspective, partially reflects colonial thought patterns. We present the text in its original version to make the collection's history transparent and promote a critical examination of the colonial legacy. Certain terms and formulations may be perceived as problematic today. A 2009 research project concluded that most descriptions are factually correct and still usable; only a few details were found to be inaccurate or incorrect. The results of this project were published in the following collection catalog: khm-wmw-tm-library.on.worldcat.org/oclc/1457155265"382 - 383. Pinang scissors- "Kalakatti".A type of short pincers or scissors made from two knives which are connected at one end by a hinge while the handles are on the other end and which can be drawn together when cutting. This scissors is used to crack the hard nut of the pinang palm (areca catechu), an important ingredient for betel chewing, to cut it into small pieces. One of the two is decorated with silver balls, and in addition the hilts are plated with silver."Translation of: Czurda, F. A. J. (1883). Catalog mit Erklärungen der Etnografischen Privatsammlung des Dr. F. A. J. Czurda in Postelberg (Böhmen). (p. 81-82). Wien, Wilhelm Braumüller