A Burmese lacquered betel nut box with single tray and lid. Made in the traditional manner using coiled bamboo and coated with soot coloured lacquer. Beetlenut boxes vary in design by tribe/region, with this box being made by the Karen people of Myanmar. Shows authentic wear, including slight red staining.  
These boxes were used to store the needed ingredients for chewing beetlenut, a social tradition found throughout South Asia that acted as a stimulant, and turned user’s mouths bright red