All of our snakeskin products are made from freshwater water-snake skin that has been treated and dyed. This species of snake is not endangered in any way and they are in fact viewed as pests to rice farmers in Bali. The skin of freshwater snakes tends to be softer than that of saltwater snakes, giving it a nice smooth finish.
Our lead artisan for these products is named Herman and he has 3 men that work under him. They all live in the same compound in Bali, Indonesia and sit in the courtyard every day working on their handmade products. Along with their work for Bersatu, they also have had clients from Japan and Australia. These men are very skilled at what they do, all having been trained by Herman who attended technical training to learn how to make products such as handbags, bracelets, wallets, belts and other various accessories.
The courtyard outside of their house where they create handmade goods for Bersatu.
They are grateful they have the ability to work from home and earn a sustainable income. There is an obvious camaraderie among the men as they share stories and crack jokes while they work. They are all married, but their wives work various jobs outside the home leaving the house all to them during the day.
- Herman, second from the left, displays a handbag they made for another client.
SNEAK PREVIEW: Herman's colleague, Ketut, was working on an upcoming product for Bersatu when we visited. Can you guess what it might be!?
