Revealing the Eco-aesthetics of the Pangium Edule Tree: A Natural Sources of Spices in a Time of Dendrophobia

Abstract

Pangium edule is a spice-producing tree with many benefits; ironically, while these benefits are acknowledged, this tree has become critically endangered. Some parts of the Pangium are traditionally used as spices and have recently become valuable for reasons of both personal health and human economics. This species needs to be preserved by any means including art. In fact, art has the potential to become a strategic medium in a campaign of preservation. This paper introduces the idea of the eco-aesthetics of the Pangium as an agent in its preservation, indeed very survival. The problems are: 1). The limitation of batik motif variations in developing traditional Indonesian art as inspired by rare plants; 2) The challenge of making batik a medium to enhance awareness of the importance of conserving these same species. The aims of this paper are: 1). The creation of a novelty variety of batik ornaments sourced from kluwak plants; 2). Implementation of novelty illustrations to batik media as a media mobile message; and 3). Batik visuals as a narrative medium. This research employs qualitative research examining the community utilization of the produce of the Pangium. It begins by searching for the very presence of this now elusive species, carefully observing the tree as a whole and empirically deconstructing and interrogating each component. Various objective facts are then derived from these new insights and cross-referenced through a literature study. Informed observation consequently forms the basis for experimenting with various creative visual compositions that represent the beauty, uniqueness, and rarity of this species. In turn, this forms potential for the basis of Pangium edule-specific ‘eco-aesthetic designs’. This study shows the scarcity of the Pangium has resulted from a broad knowledge deficit combined with personal indifference. This study also shows that when socialized as eco-aesthetic design, the Pangium becomes better known, deeply appreciated, and as a direct result–preserved.