Handmade Garnet and Bone Turtle Dangle Earrings from Bali, "Kurma Turtles"

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

Wardika 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, he 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.

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

Made Wardika has received 4 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $600 and the most recent for $4000.

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

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

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

Made Wardika provides for the education of his children.