BESIHUNG

Teeth Blackening Container

Lampung, South Sumatra, Indonesia
19th C.
Iron

60 cm
The East Indies Museum
IDN: 2-752-1229

Iron receptacle in the form of a cock for preparing "baja" - a mixture of tree sap and burnt coconut used for blackening teeth. Tooth blackening was a traditional way of preserving teeth and gums throughout insular SE Asia and Indochina. It was believed by many that only savages, wild animals and demons had long white teeth. Tooth blackening was also practiced to enhance sex appeal.