Nengah Danantara "Weaving ate is not as hard as people may think, but it's not an easy work either. One needs a lot of patience to weave one tiny piece of ate into a basket or bag." "I was born on November 16, 1978, the second child in family. My mother is Nengah Suji, a senior ate weaver in our village. My father was a cab driver; I often accompanied him driving around when I was a child. Time passed by, and I learned to print Balinese handwriting on a palm leaf, as well as carving images on this leaf; my grandfather taught me. When demand grew for ate products, many in my village started dedicating more time to this craft, and I saw it as a challenge to learn how to make these items too. "Weaving ate is not as hard as people may think, but it's not an easy work either. One needs a lot of patience to weave one tiny piece of ate into a basket or bag. "I would like to thank Novica for making my work part of the largest network of artists in the Internet. I hope my products find favor with Novica clients."

	Customer Reviews
		I have never received a nicer package in my whole life. Even though I ordered for myself, I felt as though someone had sent me a present made just for me. The package was so thoughtfully and beautifully put together with such a personal feel. I felt, as I should have, like I was unwrapping a treasure! The shoes I bought are absolutely gorgeous. The workmanship is exquisite. I greatly enjoyed reading about the artist who made them and feel the sort of personal connection I would if buying from a local artisan. Thank you so much. I will definitely be ordering again! - Lindsay G, Worcester, MA, USA I was so happy when I opened the box from Novica and saw that beautiful package and inside those amazing shoes, they are so pretty, comfortable, and light, I thought the box was empty!! It's very hard for me to find shoes that I like and can wear, since I'm a vegetarian I try not to buy leather, and the plastic option doesn't make me very happy...so these shoes are perfect for me and I really hope that Nengah Danantara gets this e-mail and realizes what a beautiful work of art he is doing and that I'm very happy and pleased with them. Thank you very much and keep making beautiful non leather shoes- I'll buy them ALL!!! - Juanita D, California My book basket just arrived and it is beautiful ! Very nicely made- I look forward to collecting more baskets from Nengah Danantara. Thank you !! - TC L, USA Nengah's beautiful ate mules are not only striking; they're quite comfortable! I can never get away from wearing these shoes without more than one person complimenting them-- both men and women. They are always impressed by the unique and creative design and the excellent craftsmanship. - E G, Georgia I love the bag, and have had so many compliments - I have given out the name of this site and artist many times. - Delaine G, Rochester, NY, USA I received the ate mules "Serene Feet" very quickly,and absolutely beautifully packaged. The shoes are gorgeous and extremely comfortable. I couldn't count the number of compliments I got the first day I wore them and even more envious looks. I have to add considering the devestation the region has now suffered I feel even luckier to have these shoes.Thank you so much. - Angel P, Newark,Ohio,US My ate and leather 'Fashion Fun' backpack arrived today. I am SO PLEASED with this item. The workmanship is superb -- incredibly fine weaving; the styling is top-notch -- very unique. I couldn't be more pleased! I immediately 'put it to work' by taking my new bag out to lunch, whereupon I immediately received a compliment by a fellow diner. On a practical front: reasonable delivery (in spite of the tremendous hardship being endured by Indonesia's recent earthquake); excellent packaging (more secure than most domestic transaction). Although this was my first NOVICA transaction, it most certainly won't be my last. This is an example of the positive side of globalization. - Mary C, Dallas TX USA I cannot tell you how much I love the handbag that arrived at my home today. After I opened it, I went online and ordered 8 more to give as Christmas gifts. Thank you so much for the exquisite artistry of your work. I will look here for gifts in the future. Diana - Diana W, North Kingstown, RI usa I ordered a ate handbag and it is BEAUTIFUL! A very talented artist. Thank you very much. - Tricia Y, Florida, USA I received my Ate handbag earlier than expected which was wonderful. It was extremely well packaged and inside my bag was wrapped beautifully with a personal touch. A hand-made straw man decorated the wrapping paper. My bag was as pictured, beautifully crafted and very well made. I'm a painter and love detail. I totally appreciate my new bag, so thank you Nengah. When I carry it I will think of you and the love and patience that went into it. Ellen - Ellen F, Tesuque, New Mexico, USA Wow! I just received the Ate Handbag "Hypnotic" large by Nengan Danantara and it is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! It is even more beautiful than in the photograph and is truly very elegant. The workmanship is extraordinary. I will definitely purchase more items from this very talented artist. Thanks Nengan and Novica - this has become my favorite handbag in my collection. - Robin I purchased the Ate handbag, Autumn Tones and could not be more pleased with it. It is a beautiful, unique & well made bag. I have received many comments on it . Thank You - Pamela I bought the smaller Ate grass handbag, 'Sunset Stars' for my good friend for Christmas & she absolutely loves it. Had it not been gorgeous I would have been told. So thank you for such a beautiful gift. - Elizabeth In June 2003 I ordered Book Box (Oblong) from Mr. I Nengah Danantara. It arrived very quickly, and I was very pleased to give it to a good friend as a gift. I could not possibly have been happier with the book box and its wrapping. The box itself was both artistic and practical, beautifully created in every respect. Even the way it was wrapped was a work of art - very sturdy, carefully done in every detail, and complete with a small but elegant Balinese mask on the inside wrapping. It was a great pleasure that Mr. I Nengah Danantara's well-crafted art became available to me. Thank you! - MARY HEATH, Murphys, California, U.S.A. I purchased a small purse a few weeks ago and have since purchased a larger one. I am sure that the second will be just as beautiful as the first. The first time I went out with the first purse I received a number of wonderful and inquisitive comments. None of them had ever heard of Novica and were impressed and interested in checking the web site out. Thank you for sharing you talents with us. - Sara Paplinski, Liberty Lake, WA