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What palm was once a punishment?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

June 19, 2002

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The wi keruk (Korthalsia echinometra Beccari) is one of the ant rattans. There are 26 species of ant rattans native to lowland rainforests of Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. These palms are vines; the wi keruk can grow to 40 meters (130 feet).

Beaded rattan basket, 'Autumn Blooms' Adorned by a colorful symphony of engaging beauty, this basket stands proud as a testimony to innovation. Plain rattan baskets are traditionally used for storing goods, and by incorporating a fascinating beaded composition this basket becomes a captivating decorative accent. Wayan Darsi hand-crafts this piece with extreme care to detail, creating a geometric composition enhanced by bright and vivid colors. Sale price and more info... [View more...]

Unlike most palms, Korthalsia vines branch dichotomously. The vines do not twine, but ramble over other rainforest species. The rachis of each frond has an extension called a cirrus. This whip-like structure is armed with hooked spines. When the wind blows the cirrus, chances are the hooks will catch on to a support.

The canes of wi keruk are protected by ocreae. These sheaths cover the length of the cane between leaves. Each ocrea is slightly inflated and covered with spines. The space between the ocrea and the cane provides a domatia or nesting space for ants. The stinging ants are a secondary defense in case the spines do not keep a bungler at bay.

Korthalsia canes are cleaned of ocrea and split. Split canes are woven into baskets, weirs to catch fish, or are used for bindings. Vines not cleared of the spiny ocrea were once used for punishment by caning. The intense pain was said to cause the caned victim to faint.

The Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia have posted photographs of three species of Korthalsia. To view the photographs, click on the link:

http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Korthalsia/index.html

Click on the species epithets to view each.

Chelsie's Note: In association with National Geographic, Novica today serves as an online arts agent for more than 1,700 artists in countries around the world. Visitors to the Novica Web site can read about the artists, explore their cultures, view photographs of their work and select from more than 8,500 handcrafted works.

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Celadon ceramic tea set, 'Fresh Serenity' (set for 4)

NOVICA®

Hand-crafted by Ramphan Khumsingkaew in Thailand.
The artistry of Ramphan Khumsingkaew has been featured in numerous magazine and newspaper articles, ranging from Biography magazine to the Christian Science Monitor.

A tranquil shade of celadon green graces this hand-crafted tea set, its ceramic essence revealed in luxurious floral textures. Featuring a serving plate, four cups, and a teapot with a rattan handle, it makes a true housewarming gift when steaming with freshly brewed leaves. Ramphan Khumsingkeaw crafts it with traditional methods in her celadon ceramic workshop. Sale price and more info... [View more of her work...]

Ceramic vase, 'Antique Rattan'

NOVICA®

Hand-crafted by Chaiya Reanwattana in Thailand.

"My ideas spring from little things around me… a very popular design came from lichen, from table wood, and maybe tissue paper."

Stately and antique, a ceramic vase takes its form from traditional Thai pottery. But Chaiya gives it a modern touch with bright rays of rattan. Contrasting golden fibers with the deep maroon contours, he creates a design that is timelessly beautiful. Price and more info... [View more vases...]

Rattan handbag, 'Picnic' (tan)

NOVICA®

Hand-crafted by Dewa Gede Alit Muliawan in Bali.

"At the present time, I live happily with my wife and my sweet three-year-old daughter and four-month-old son. They give color to my life. I'm challenged to be able to give them a proper life."

Bold curves and earth textures define this superlative design by Dewa Gede Alit Muliawan. Integrating the handle into the arched body, he creates a roomy handbag. It is fully lined in cotton and features a loop clasp. Sale price and more info... [View more handbags...]

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