Tabanan, Rainbow over Ricefields

I Made Mardiana
Silver Accessories to Attract Visitors

Although Tabanan regency has long been famous for its agricultural products, gold and silver handicrafts can also be found in this area. Back in the 1980’s the production of silver handicrafts rapidly developed avidly and flourished to cover all corners of the regency. Thus, artisans working on accessories can be expected in every area, e.g. in Kerambitan, Pujungan and Tabanan City. However, at the end of 2000, the number of artisans working on silver has dropped and even gone in some areas due to factors such as difficulties in collecting capital, marketing and brokers who took too much profit.

I Made Mardiana, a gold and silver artisan living on Jalan KS Tubun gang 12 no. 6, explains. The brokers often bought the products at low prices and sold them back very high. Customers also paid very little for the employees’ wages so that they weren’t even able to cover daily expenses. Hence, many artisans and employees quit the silver works and took up other professions. However, they haven’t finished working on gold handicrafts, a job they have been occupying for many years. Others, who have less capital, have returned to their rice farms.
“I have exhibited my silver works at every star hotel particularly those in Nusa Dua, Kuta, Sanur and most frequently at Tanah Lot, Tabanan. I even had some permanent customers from America, Australia and Singapore. Besides purchasing directly, they also ordered for supplies back home. But that was in the earlier days. Now I am counting on locals only,” Mardiana, a member of National Handicrafts Council and once a third winner of silver design competition, recalled.
The father of three sons born, in Tabanan, September 30, 1950 admitted that now he is more serious about gold handicrafts. However, he will not cease his custom of working silver since there are always some local customers coming to order or directly to purchase the silver works. Besides, he intends to maintain his ancestors’ heritage. Visitors are welcomed to his home or to his store, Toko Bisma, located in Tabanan market. Should they wish to order any works, down payment for 2/3 of the cost is requested. The store provides a wide choice of items from bracelets, rings, necklaces, earring and other accessories.
Models and forms may look similar but Mardiana has a quaint style, differing from other artisans. His style is predominantly more traditional and employs unique and are Balinese carvings, i.e. “Karang Manuk” carving which has a sophisticated form, which requires time and special skill from the artist. Those complicated factors mean that “Karang Manuk” is hardly used by most artisans. “Although silver-made accessories fans are far less than the gold-made, it is sufficient to enrich our collection. A rich collection will surely attract more visitors even from other regencies. Many of them buy the silver works, but mostly for kids or toddlers,” he added. (Sana)