DRAWINGS

PART TWO

A THOUSAND THOUSAND ISLANDS

DRAWINGS PART TWO

ILLUSTR ATIONS AND TEXT MUNK AO

EDITING ZEDECK SIEW

A THOUSAND THOUSAND ISLANDS

 FIRE PISTON

Fire pistons are essentially portable lighters, historically used in many parts of South-
east Asia.

Piston Hollow Cylinder Cross Section

There are two main parts to a fire piston: the piston itself, and the hollow cylinder.
At the end of the piston is a small empty cavity; a small amount of tinder is placed
here.

The piston has an airtight seal, so that no air can escape when it is fitted into the cylinder.
When the piston is pumped, the air inside the hollow cylinder is rapidly compressed,
increasing its pressure and temperature. This lights the tinder at the end of the piston.
The smouldering tinder can then be transferred to larger kindling to eventually start a fire.

Different Types of Fire Pistons

 FINGER KNIFE

Different Types of Finger Knives

The finger knife is a tool used by various communities all over Southeast Asia, specifi-
cally to harvest rice.

It makes rice harvesting slow and tedious; a farmer is only able pick one or two stalks
of rice at one time – though that is the intent.

The communities that use the finger knife typically believe that the Rice spirit or Rice
Goddess is a gentle entity, and easily startled by blades or violent movements. The
finger knife allows for a much gentler and respectful way to harvest crops.
 BETEL CHEWING

Areca Nut Betel Leaf Lime

The three essential ingredients of betel-chewing preparations are the betel leaf, the
areca nut, and slaked lime.

Thin slices of areca nut are placed on a betel leaf, and smeared with a thin layer of
lime. This is then wrapped up into a quid.

The chemical reactions of the combined ingredients makes these quid both a mild
stimulant and a relaxant, when chewed.

Cinnamon Nutmeg Ginger

Gambier Cloves
Depending on the region, other ingredients may be added.
 Betel Cutter
Betel-chewing is a widespread practice with deep traditions, throughout Southeast
Asia.

It has magical aspects, plays a role in many courtship ceremonies, and has great
symbolism associated with royalty. Perhaps most interestingly, it functioned as a social
lubricant in historical society – playing the role that smoking, coffee, or alcohol now
does, today.

Betel Set
A betel set assembles the necessary tools for the practise of betel-chewing. A box stores
all the ingredients, and other needed accessories: a tray; individual smaller containers;
and a cutter, to slice the nuts.

Mortar and Pestle

A small mortar and pestle is also common, in a betel set. The mortar and pestle are for
the elderly, who have lost the ability to chew.
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