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This exquisitely detailed pendant necklace is from Made Wardika in Bali. The octopus pendant is carved by hand from cow bone and stained with tea to give it an aged, antique appearance. It centers a dark brown leather cord of adjustable length.
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.
Wardika provides for his three children and is deeply attentive to teaching them respect for the elders and the natural world.
Wardika 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.
06/16/2016
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I really love this pendant. The carving is so very detailed and it is scientifically accurate as well, which I really appreciate. It is thick and sturdy so I have no worries that it could get broken.
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This is a lovely carved piece. Mine varies from the picture in the placement of some of the tentacles. It gets compliments. Length of the necklace can be adjusted.
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I bought this for myself and named it "Inky" for the octopus that escaped from his tank, leaving poor "Blotchy" all alone. True story. I love it and the work is very detailed. It is larger than I expected.
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When I received this item, it came all in the same color. You could not see any white specks like the picture. I just lightly sanded the top and now it looks like the picture! Nice!
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09/28/2017
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Personally I wasn't crazy about the color but I did like the pendant and did not return The artist does wonderful work and I have purchased additional items from him
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06/30/2018
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Sister in law is an octopus lover. Wears it all the time.
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“My designs are inspired by the rich cultures and art of Bali traditions."
Paulette