Betel Nut Carving

A single betel nut, transformed by hand into a miniature idol or intricate ornament, holds centuries of craft tradition in its polished surface. Betel nut carving, also known as supari or areca nut carving, is a traditional Indian craft practiced in regions like Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, Bhubaneswar in Odisha, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Artisans use the hard, woody seed of the areca palm to create small figurines, religious icons, jewelry, and utilitarian objects, each piece shaped with remarkable precision and patience.

The roots of betel nut carving trace back to at least the early twentieth century. In Rewa, the tradition is closely linked to the Kunder family, who have practiced the craft for three generations. The craft gained royal favor in the princely courts, where carved betel nut boxes and idols were exchanged as tokens of appreciation and ritual significance. Communities in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh have also maintained the tradition, often producing figurines of deities and animals for religious and decorative purposes.

The process begins with selecting dry areca nuts of suitable size and texture. Artisans use a vice to cut the nut, then hold it with forceps for stability. Intricate designs are engraved using a needle-like tool called munna and a sharp knife known as tagi. The pieces are filed smooth with emery paper or chisels, sometimes joined together with glue for complex forms. Finished items are often painted or varnished, and may be mounted on plyboard for support. The nut’s natural speckled surface lends each piece a distinctive appearance.

Today, betel nut carving is a rare skill, with only a handful of artisan families in Madhya Pradesh and small pockets in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh still practicing the craft. Despite its rich heritage, the craft faces the threat of extinction due to dwindling demand and the fragility of the material, which requires exceptional skill to carve without breaking.

Betel nut carving stands out for its miniature scale, intricate detail, and the challenge of working with a naturally hard, brittle material. Each artifact is unique, shaped by the artisan’s imagination and technical mastery. The craft’s association with ritual and royalty, as well as its adaptability to modern decorative uses, gives it a special place in India’s handmade traditions.

Photo Courtesy: AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF INDIAN STUDIES