Gung Gus

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My full name is Anak Agung Gede Bagus Ari Panji Widya Pratista — such a long name given to me by my parents! Our Balinese names reflect our customs and the importance we give to family heritage. According to our traditions, my names mean the following: Anak Agung implies royal lineage, Gede tells that I am the first child, Bagus literally means handsome and also indicates I am male, and Ari Panji Widya Pratista is my real name.

However, people call me Gung Gus, short for Agung Bagus.

I was born and raised in Ubud, which allowed me to be in touch with artisans on a daily basis. Most of my family members are carvers — carving is our family heritage. You could say I developed an ability to carve just by seeing my relatives at work every day.

Other than carving, I also love to paint so, after trying different procedures, I finally found a way to combine wood carving with painting.

My parents were adamant that we have a higher education, so they sent my brother and me to college. We were expected to study hard and carve during our spare time in order to support our studies. Times were hard then, but I knew I counted on my parents unfailing support. They kept telling me, 'Work is a must, but with a good education, people will respect you even more.'

I enjoy working with you because my masks and carvings can reach people outside Bali and I feel respected as an artisan. I like the fact that you promote Balinese artists and artisans on an international level.

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

All sales of this product are final -- we do not accept returns or issue replacements unless there is a defect with the product. Please review our Returns & Exchanges policy.