Coconut craft

Goa is one of the leading coconut producing states in India. Goa's plantations perform a useful ecological role, binding soil and sand, reducing wind and storm energy. Today the coconut is used in hundreds of ways, including as a food , a beverage, as a beauty and health product and in rituals. The shells, fibers and wood are also used in small households items such as mats and mattresses and the trunks are used to build bridges. The coconut is Goa's second largest plantation crop after rice and offers employment to many thousands of people in the state.

Vijaydatta is a Goan who has fallen in love with coconut craft. He is from a traditional goldsmith's family and uses these skills to intricately carve coconut shells and wood. Most impressive is the collection of intricately carved crosses. His book 'Coconut; The Art of Coconut Craft' is available at Broadway Book centre. Vijaydatta makes more than 500 products from coconut shells and has a small stock of lampshades, bangles, bowls and serving spoons for sale at his home studio, run by his wife Nilam. Crosses can be ordered and take about ten days, costing between Rs.100 and Rs.500.