Tobacco box

Title
Tobacco box
Year/Period
Late 19th-early 20th centuries
Region
Probably Kayan or Kenyah Dayak, Sarawak
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 17 x 4 cm
Accession No.
XXXX-11299

This tobacco box belonged to either the Kayan or the Kenyah Dayak. Both cultures are very similar as they live in close proximity. Many Kayan and Kenyah have become Christians, though some still observe indigenous practices. A tobacco box such as this might have been used during social visits. It was customary to offer visitors a cigarette to smoke, or betel nut or tobacco to chew as a formality before news was exchanged or local events discussed.