Nengah Dika

"The lontar tradition has been passed down from generation to generation since the times before paper existed."

"My name is Nengah Dika, a lontar (palm leaf) craftsman from a village in eastern Bali. I was born on May 15, 1975. I have studied lontar art since I was twelve years of age.

"My father is member of a famous group of lontar craftsmen in our village. When I was little he often took me to the group where I'd watch the process of making lontar pieces step by step. The lontar tradition has been passed down from generation to generation since the times before paper existed. The pictures come from stories such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana and the Balinese calendar.

"My wife, Ni Luh Suryati, is a weaver: she discovered Novica before I did. They helped her promote her products and she found success on the website. One time, a tourist came to our art shop and said to my wife, 'I know you from the Novica website.' We were so proud and happy that art lovers around the world are recognizing our name and products. Thanks to Novica for this entire miracle for us!"