Mong Shuan started working at a betel nut stand in northern Taiwan at 16, earning around $670 a month plus bonuses for dressing provocatively to attract male customers. Betel nut vendors like Mong, often called “betel nut beauties,” emerged in the 1960s when the Shuangdong Betel Nut Stand popularized the concept. Photographer Constanze Han documented these women, capturing the lives of betel nut sellers in neon-lit roadside booths during a month-long journey across Taiwan. Han’s photos, reminiscent of fashion editorials, reveal the mundane reality behind the stereotype, aiming to challenge preconceived notions about these women.
Han photographed 12 women, mostly in their late teens and early 20s, with some appearing in scanty outfits under neon lights. Among them was Ju Ju, a young mom in Taoyuan, who started selling betel nuts to make ends meet and has since been promoted to managing two booths. Despite regulations, like the 2002 Taoyuan dress code mandating modest attire, concerns about exploitation persist. However, Han’s project highlights their resilience and offers a nuanced portrayal of a fading cultural phenomenon in Taiwan, where betel nut usage is on the decline.
A betel nut stall in Taipei. Constanze Han
The photo series reflects the changing habits and declining use of betel nuts, a stimulant that’s losing popularity due to health concerns. By documenting these betel nut beauties, Han seeks to provide a deeper understanding of their lives, hoping to shift perceptions and inspire curiosity about Taiwan beyond the typical judgments. She wants viewers to appreciate this unique aspect of Taiwanese culture before it potentially disappears altogether.
