Assam forest officer turns fallen thorns into art, wins praise for ‘Palmed Handicraft’

Sonitpur: A forest officer in Assam is receiving appreciation for his “Palmed Handicraft” — an initiative that combines traditional craftsmanship with environmental conservation by turning fallen thorns of Indian Prickly Ash trees into artistic pieces.

The initiative has two objectives: creating livelihood opportunities, particularly for people living on the fringes of protected forests, and helping conserve the environment.

The thorny tree species, Zanthoxylum rhetsa, can be systematically planted along the boundary of premises, agriculture lands, tea gardens and other protected areas to serve as a natural fence. Restoring and reinforcing boundaries through scientific reintroduction of this species could help regulate wild animal movement, thereby reducing human-elephant conflict, which is common in Assam.

The man behind the craft is Deputy Ranger Krishna Das, 37, currently posted at Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur district. He uses fallen thorns to make decorative and functional products that also have traditional and socio-religious significance.

Born at Barchalla in Sonitpur, Das developed a keen interest in art as a child, drawing pictures and portraits with pencils. He dreamt of pursuing a career in art but joined the Forest Department as a forester in 2012, and has continued to practice art alongside his official duties.

During 2019-20, after coming across Indian Prickly Ash trees, Das conceived the idea of using their thorns to create artistic pieces.”The thorn sizes of the handicraft are not the same but come under the palm of a hand. The art is best appreciated in the palm of a hand, where its detail and beauty can be fully experienced. This is why I call it Palmed Handicraft,” he says.