Malay Tobacco Box (Chelpa)

This Malay tobacco box or chelpa, would have been used to store betel nut. When opened, it is clear that the chelpa has been crafted using repousse techniques.

On the back of the chelpa lies the hinge. Below the hinge, there is a small loop affixed to the body, and through the small loop, there is a large ring which connects the chain through which is used to attach to clothing. This way, one could easily travel with their betel nuts without having to carry them around in their hands or pockets.

Betel chewing became widespread across South East Asia and there was a great deal of paraphernalia attached to the habit with containers of various sizes and shapes and special tools to cut the betel nuts. The containers were made of different materials, wood, lacquer and various metals, according to income and social standing.

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Peranakan Old Storybook

This is an example of “Chrita Dahulu Kala” which is loosely translated as “stories from ancient times”. They were usually storybooks of the traditional Chinese classics that were translated from Chinese to Baba Malay.

These tales of Chinese folklore, legends and historical epics include famous novels such as “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and “Water Margin”. Although most of these works appeared in paperback form, it was possible that a few volumes could be combined to form a specially bound copy, such as this one.

“Chrita Dahulu Kala” were traditionally read by Peranakan men. Many elderly Peranakan ladies today remember being told stories from these books by their fathers, uncles and grandfathers. Many of the Chinese traditions of the Peranakan Chinese are believed to have been transmitted via these storybooks.

This book is the twelfth volume of the series entitled “Song Teow”.

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