Gold Accented Bone Feather Dangle Earrings from Indonesia, "Heavenly Feathers"

“My name is I Made Nuada. I was born in August of 1980 in the town of Tampaksiring in Gianyar, Bali. My village is near the tourist attraction Pura Candi Tebing, which features very cool air and some cool water springs. My father was a coconut shell carver and my mother was a handicraft seller. I am the third child of three siblings. There was nothing special about my childhood; I was just an ordinary kid in a village. I did not finish school due to financial reasons; I stopped when I graduated from junior high.

“Then, I worked as a coconut shell carver, just like my father. When I was about 20 years old, I met a foreigner that worked in jewelry, so I decided to switch to making jewelry. He taught me how to make designs and how to make earrings. Now, my specialty is making earrings.

“The materials I use are brass, silver, domesticated cow bone, buffalo horn, and wood. My inspiration usually comes from traditional Balinese goods, especially Balinese clothes and engravings. My designs are mostly earrings, which are made from brass combined with domesticated cow bone and buffalo horn. Cow bone and buffalo horn are considered less valuable, so they are usually abandoned or sold cheaply.

“As a man living in a village, I do have other hobbies, such as fishing, which I am really fond of. For me, fishing is relaxing and inspirational. Fishing needs patience and quiet, two things that are really good for thinking.

“Now, I am married to a beautiful woman. We have been blessed with two daughters and one son. Being a father is amazing for me. I enjoy playing with them, teaching them things, and also providing for them. Having kids makes my life less lonely. I love working hard for my family. As a responsible husband and father, providing them with a good life is my goal.

“I hope NOVICA can help me introduce and sell my jewelry. I see my jewelry not only as a thing to be sold, but as representing a culture that I am really proud of. I hope NOVICA customers love my pieces and Balinese culture in the shape of my earrings.”