Octopus Pendant Necklace Hand Carved of Cow Bone, "Bali Octopus"

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 began working at the age of eight, first painting and then carving exquisite images in bone. 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.

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 has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Made Wardika provides for the education of his children.