W1977 - Aluk , saku Mens Betel nut bag. This is a stunning and well preserved example of the level of craft achievable.

Oh the things that are in a betel nut bag....we have a glimpse inside one in the images.

Handwoven by the wonderful weaving women of West Timor [4Ws!] each of these unique Aluk displays the weavers tribal motif.

Aluk are a dedicated weaving executed by a select few women. 

The handle is a recent addition as I presume that the original succumbed to the ravages of time.

Class Kelim unique and sweet Aluk.

20cm  /  8" tall

18cm / 7" wide

If you wish to gather multiple treasures try using the ADD TO CART/BASKET function instead of BUY IT NOW. To combine postage, select Request total from seller in your shopping cart. I can then send you an invoice with the new combined postage cost.

International clients are welcome. Aus Post has returned the international 250gr small parcel. This is great news. YAY! A true shame that they have not done so for domestic.

I am Julie and have been collecting Timorese Treasures in the field since 1990 when I won a prize for overseas travel in a pub in Darwin [true]. I had no idea at the time that I had stumbled upon an Aladdin's cave of authentic traditional tribal textiles and treasures. I have been returning annually ever since [well most years] and been witness to many changes across the last 3 decades.

NOTE: We use recycled packaging and have to cover ebay's 16% fees as they include postage/freight costs in their final fee 16% [go figure!]

Clearly none of us are sure what will happen post COVID, if there is such a thing, but I do know that the villagers, carvers and weavers up in the mountains will be grateful when some outside dollars comes into their informal/circular economy. Therefore every purchase you choose to make with me will benefit the Atoni [people of West Timor] as soon as I can get back there.

I distribute reading glasses and nutritious food seeds as the soil in the western half of Timor is very poor and water a very precious resource. Please contact me if you wish to contribute.