This special medicine bottle called Tempat Kapur is handmade in brass and comes from the Tanimbar Islands in the Maluku province of Indonesia. These particular bottles stopped being produced in the 1970’s. They were used to contain medicine made from betel nut mixed with other natural ingredients.

The tradition to use the betel nut for medicinal purposes is thousands of years old and span throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
It is believed to be a powerful antibiotic, relieve headaches, sore throats, toothaches, arthritis, help with digestion, joint pain and healing wounds. It is also believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac.