This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic.
With an expression of dreamy repose, a serene beauty sleeps undisturbed. Indonesian artisan Komang Suastra presents this stunning pendant necklace, featuring a cameo carved from cow bone. The face is crowned with sterling silver and bedecked with 2.5 carats of sparkling blue topaz. Suastra names the necklace after the beautiful woman in a Javanese legend.The story tells of Dayang Sumbi, a beautiful woman in West Java. She banished her son Sankuriang for disobeying her, in turn receiving the gift of eternal youth from the gods. After many years in exile, Sangkuriang returned home, long after the two had forgotten each other. Sangkuriang fell in love with Dayang Sumbi and decided to marry her, but she recognized him at the last minute. In order to prevent the marriage from taking place, Dayang Sumbi asked Sangkuriang to complete two impossible tasks before sunrise--building a dam on the river Citarum, and a large boat to cross the river. However, Sangkuriang enlisted mythical creatures to aid him in his tasks, so he was nearly finished as daybreak approached. Dayang Sumbi saw that the tasks were almost completed, so she summoned her workers to spread red silk cloths east of the city, to appear as if it was dawn breaking. Sangkuriang was fooled, and kicked the dam and the unfinished boat in frustration, resulting in terrible flooding and the creation of the volcano Tangkuban Perahu.
Product Features:
- Weight: 0.78 oz
- Chain: 17.75" L x 0.1" W
- Pendant Dimensions:2.2" L x 1" W x 0.5" D
- Sterling silver, blue topaz, cow bone
- Product Features: Handmade
- Gender: Women's
- Metal Color: White
- Metal: Sterling Silver
- Made in Indonesia
Story Behind the Art:
I am thankful to God for giving me such a great gift so I can make a living for my family. Not much, perhaps, but enough for our simple way of life.
Like most people who were born and live in Gianyar Regency, Buana has been surrounded by handicrafts since he was a child. Gianyar is a part of Bali known throughout the world for its beautiful landscapes and exceptional artistic legacy. Handicrafts like shadow puppets made of cowhide, woodcarving and silver jewelry are created there in towns like Tegalalang, Ubud, Sukawati and Celuk.
In 1990, Buana decided to learn to craft silver jewelry from a friend in Celuk. He learned it all, from the very basic skills like sanding, polishing and making plates to very advanced techniques. Supported by his family, Buana has continued his profession as a silversmith. "I am thankful to God for giving me such a great gift so I can make a living for my family. Not much, perhaps, but enough for our simple way of life," he says. "Hopefully through Novica I can offer a better future to my wife and two children.
Please allow 10 business days for the product to leave our warehouse and to receive tracking information.You should expect to receive this item within 15 business days.