Papuan spittoon

Spitting "blood". 

Mount Hagen, Westerm Highlands, PNG, August 2012.

Betel smile

More betel?

East Sumba, February 2010.

Betel nuts

Chewing betel nut (or sirih in Indonesian) is one of the favourite occupations of the Sumbanese, men and women, young and old. Three elements are required: a nut from the areca palm tree, some lime, and a leaf or the fruit of the betel vine. The nut is cut into pieces and put into the mouth. Then the betel fruit is chewed a bit to cut it open, put into lime and put into the mouth. The reaction of the lime with the betel fruit makes for abundant, reddish saliva. Old people may require a small areca nut ponder to replace missing teeth.

Chewing betel nut is a social activity. Offering betel nut to a guest is welcoming him in the house.

... and the winner is...

Sumba Island, February 2010.