THE PINANG, as previously showcased by iGT (read here) is inseparably linked with Penang, where it is not merely a symbol of the state; it occupied a significant place in the way of life of its peoples. A common sight among most betel nut chewers is the highly-personalised tepak sirih or sirih (betel nut mix) container.

The container is used to place the “various ingredients that constitute a quid of betel, for the arrangement is not done haphazardly. There are precise sections that hold the ingredients.” (Old Blades). The slideshow below presents the sirih container, which is one section among the many other sections in the tepak. This container is about 3cm in height.

In the Malay culture, “the offering of a sirih quid or the placing of the complete tepak sirih set carries a message from the giver to the receiver. While the giver presents himself humbly before the receiver, it is clear that such respect should not be interpreted as the demeaning by the giver of himself before the receiver. Other such hidden meanings have also been given to various elements in the complete tepak sirih.” (Old Blades)

This week’s slideshow nonetheless presents the tepak sirih from a Nyonya household. Having similar cultural foundations, the betel nut also plays an important part of their (Nyonya) customs. According to the current owner, the whole tepak is nearly a hundred years old and was commissioned by the original owner to be engraved by southern Thai craftsmen.

The ubiquitous Eight Immortals, a powerful symbol from Chinese mythology, are engraved here. Each representing a different condition in life, “poverty, wealth, aristocracy, plebianism, age, youth, masculinity and feminity”, (Williams, CAS) the immortals are:

• He Xiangu
• Cao Guojiu
• Li Tieguai
• Lan Caihe
• Lü Dongbin
• Han Xiang Zi
• Zhang Guo Lao
• Zhongli Quan

Many of the above personalities were already celebrated as immortals in the Taoist legends and were immortalised during the Yuan dynasty. Read here for more on the legend and here for more on the immortals themselves.

References

• Sirih (Old Blades)
• Williams, CAS, 2006 (4th Edition) Chinese Symbolism and Art Motifs: A Comprehensive Handbook on Symbolism in Chinese Art through the Ages, Tuttle Publishing

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