Black Skull Carved Bone Skull Pendant on Cord Handmade in Indonesia

Made comes from a village that specializes in bone carving, a traditional Balinese art that has been passed from generation to generation. When he was eighteen Made began to work as a bone carver and determined that he would become a master carver. Every day he carefully studied and copied the techniques of the best carvers until he became their equal. Today he earns a living and proudly supports his family with the sales of his unique carvings. He is able to give work to others in his community and hopes to teach this art to the next generation.

Made began working at the age of eight; first painting and then carving handicraft products. He sat for days on end to do his work and as a result has developed health problems. About two years ago he began to have trouble with his spinal nerve, he was only able to stand or walk for minutes at a time and this left him unable to work. Therapy and natural healing have eased the condition but he has developed a phobia about soft mattresses. He will only sleep on very hard mattresses as he is afraid of becoming paralyzed and permanently disabled. He draws strength from his family, works at therapy and struggles to return to normal while fighting an ongoing battle with his phobia.

Made was a street vendor with an unpredictable income until he joined Novica and customers discovered his unique work. Now his Novica sales provide a stable income and he is able to employ six artisan assistants to help produce his jewelry.

Made provides for his three children and is deeply attentive to teaching them respect for the elders and the natural world.

Made and his family and his four assistants and their families are dependent upon the steady income that Novica provides.

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Made Wardika provides for the education of his children.