Philippines Silver Inlay Betel Nut Box Hopi Jewelry Ralph Tawangyaouma was deeply involved

Ralph Tawangyaouma was  deeply involved in Hopi spiritual life as a Two-Horn Priest

In 1934 the focus of the company changed to wholesale jewelry

There is a 3/8" tear at the bottom of the print about a quarter way in on the left side

I have had two other bags like this

There is extensive black painting on his face as well as on his body

Philippines Silver Inlay Betel Nut Box Hopi Jewelry Ralph Tawangyaouma was deeply involvedThis is a fine example of an early 20th C rectangular bronze betal nut box with beautiful and elaborate silver inlay from Mindanao in the Philippines. The box has a handle on each side and has four compartments inside with silver inlaid lids to hold the four ingredients necessary for the betal nut chew, the areca nut, betel piper vine leaves, lime and tobacco leafs. These boxes come from the Maranaw, an Islamic people living in Mindanao. The box is in