Image: Man chewing betel nut Eroro village, Oro Bay, Oro Province April 1921

Chewing betel nut is widespread in Papua New Guinea. The ingredients are the areca nut kernel, the leaves or fruit of the betel plant and lime made from burnt coral or seashells. Chewing these ingredients produces a mildly stimulating effect that relieves tiredness and hunger. This man adds lime from the gourd container to the mixture in his mouth. His headdress is made from hornbill beaks.

Photographer:

Frank Hurley

Rights:

© Australian Museum

Last Updated: 15 May 2010