This octagonal-shaped tobacco box is decoratd with incised floral motif. The black colour suggests that it had also been filled with niello, a black mixture of copper, silver, and lead sulphides, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal. It was hung from or tucked in the belt of the wearer. It could also be attached to silk cloths that were worn over the shoulder with the pendant article hung in front. It served as portable sireh set as it was made to hold tobacco along with sliced areca nuts or betel quid when the user was travelling outside the home.Shreds of tobacco were rolled into little ball and slipped under the upper lip to provide change of flavour in the mouth and to clean the teeth. Though it does not form part of the betel quid, fine shredded tobacco leaves were added occasionally. Tobacco boxes were cast, both for domestic and travelling purposes, and it inadvertently became part of betel chewing paraphernalia.
