Nengah Marga

Artisan Organization: Nengah Marga

Country: Bali and Java

"My name is I Nengah Marga; I was born in Trunyan. Trunyan Village is a village in Kintamani District, Bangli Regency which has a unique funeral tradition. People who die there are not buried or cremated, but only placed under the Taru Menyan tree. Taru Menyan is a tree that neutralizes the unpleasant odor of decaying corpses.

"I grew up in a simple family but it has grown me into a strong and independent person. My hard work since childhood is what I used as my provision as an adult when I started my business. I am married and have 2 children, one daughter and one son. They are one of the sources of my happiness and the reason I have worked so hard. I believe that when we make our children our motivation, we can overcome whatever obstacles we face.

"I do not employ permanent workers, but I empower women in my village to do this craft when there is an order. They are housewives who often take freelance jobs to supplement their family income. It makes me very happy because it can have an impact on other people, especially my own environment. I still do not have the financial ability to hire workers on a regular basis, because of the ups and downs of uncertain orders.

"The wall decor craft that I am pursuing is quite in demand by foreign guests. I feel that I can succeed in the arts through this business because crafts are something that will continue to develop following human creativity and market tastes. I also feel lucky, because with my craft business I can get to know many customers from abroad and learn many new things from them.

"Hopefully, by working with Novica I can market my craft more broadly, and be more enthusiastic about developing new designs. I hope that one day I can make a wider impact." "