Behind The Scene > ARTISANS

​JEWELLERY 
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Balinese Silverwork is part of an ancient tradition.
​The facility where we produce our Bali sterling silver is located in the outskirts of a village called Celuk. Celuk has a tradition of metal work that stretches back many generations. Its craftsmen catered to aristocrats in the nearby court town of Gianyar and the noble houses of Sukawati and Ubud. 
The process of making Silver jewellery is very complex and hand-crafted only by master silversmith. The silversmiths of Bali must combine skill with silver, torches, and rolling mills. They also create perfect wires for things like beads. The quality of both the wires and the beads combine to create gorgeous articulation. This is one area where the quality of Bali really stands out from the competition. the Silver is some of the most desirable jewellery on the planet.
Granulation is perhaps the most distinctive technique of Balinese silver — and with good reason, given its difficulty. To create this ornamentation, the silversmith makes a fine wire of silver and then clips off tiny pieces. The pieces are then melted into tiny spheres and added painstakingly to a piece, often in highly ornate designs. The artisan must work quickly and carefully with the molten silver to ensure consistency of shape and size.
Creativity in using this technique is often sparked by observing the stunning natural beauty of Bali, such as the graceful curl of fern tendrils rising from the jungle floor.
​I Ketut Semarajana, a Celuk silversmith and the creator of our beautiful silver jewellery, notes that his “creations are inspired by Balinese art , culture and lifestyle.”
​He also said  "I hope that our culture and tradition will live on through us. Ours is a simple way of life where we wake up in the morning and have time to play, to talk to our neighbour, perform ceremonies in the traditional way by helping each other. To be a master in this craft, I try to never give up and believe I am an artist, so whatever I make is a piece of art with great value.” 
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​HANDBAGS
The weaving technique on our Nusa Ata Bag is based on a traditionally defined process.
​It is carried out by the craftspeople in the Tenganan village of East Bali.  The initial process of creation involved the splitting of the vine which is about 1 m long to create finer pieces for weaving. The splited vines are then immersed in river water for days so as to enhance shaping process. Weaving takes place upon then via the good patience and skill trained hands of the craftspeople. It is very much tightly woven compared to some other loosely woven wicker products.  
Ata Reed goods has heat and water resistance as well as insect repelling properties. All these attributes contributed to Ata Reed vines being crowned as one of the finest and toughest naturally woven goods available in the world.
DIFFERENT WEAVING QUALITY &  PROCESS

​THE BOILING PROCESS
It could take up to 48 hrs to boil the bag.
Therefore genuine Ata Bag is water and heat resistant.

​THE DRYING PROCESS

​THE SMOKING PROCESS
Only in Bali Ata bags are smoked naturally using coconut husk, the bags remains inside a traditional oven for 24 - 48 hours to add patina and strength.
!BUYER BEWARE!
Do your research and ask questions before buying this beautiful Ata bag.
Other island such as Lombok or other countries that produces similar bag,
part of the finishing process they use chemical instead of finishing it
naturally, therefore the patina colour it's not coming from the baking process but
it's due to the bag being dipped to chemical content (like the video shown below)
You can tell by the consistency of the bag and smell.
Naturally made Ata Bag always smells like camp fire and the smell will disappear over time.

THE FINISHING PROCESS
> Shop our Nusa Ata Bag
HAT & CLUTCHES