eBay Seller Story: Novica, a Global Bazaar on eBay

By Jen Smith
June 8, 2011

Who over the age of 30 doesn't have memories of sitting in the school library poring over issues of National Geographic magazine, mesmerized by photos of exotic animals (western green mamba snakes! the deadly Cane Toad!) and faraway cultures so different from our own? Back when images weren't so easily accessible, NOVICA, now a 123 year-old magazine was instrumental in making the world feel smaller by bringing distant lands to our doorstep. And it continues to do so with not only a print edition, but also a robust website on Novica.com, TV channel, videos and yes, an associated NOVICA eBay store.

NOVICA With a minority stake from National Geographic, NOVICA (which has a standalone site in addition to its eBay shop) supports artisans from around the world by making their wares available for sale online. Dedicated to bringing isolated artists from some of the world’s poorest places to your doorstep, the L.A.-based company features over 1,700 artists from eight regions: India, Bali and Java, Mexico, West Africa, Thailand, the Andes, Brazil and Central America. Their handcrafted rugs, furniture, masks, mirrors, instruments, clothing, jewelry, accessories, wall hangings and more are handcrafted tokens of age-old cultures, not to mention elegant additions to the modern home.

So how does it work? “NOVICA does not charge artists any fees for listing their items on the website,” says Jess Munro, Senior Operations Associate at NOVICA and general oversee of the company's eBay efforts. “Furthermore, artists remain fully independent—they are free to raise their prices, lower their prices, or remove their items from our website. By cutting out the long strings of middlemen, NOVICA allows both consumers and artisans to get the most out of each and every transaction. This also allows for a personal connection between artist and customer."

“We have offices in each of the regions, which are staffed primarily with local residents who maintain relationships with the artisans and make it possible to get their products from workshop to customer," She continues. "Almost all NOVICA orders ship directly from their country of origin.”

Jess Munro selected 10 artists and items whose handcrafted pieces she finds particularly compelling. She also points out that should you want to further support a favorite artist, you can offer a micro-loan that will go directly to the craftsman of your choosing. Read more about NOVICA artisan loans here.

Set of Six Red Swirl Hand-Blown Wine Glasses

(buy it now price, $67.99)

Since the 1990s, Mexican glass blowers Javier Gutierrez and Efran Canteras have been seeking to preserve the heritage of this traditional Mexican art. Their handcrafted artwork has been featured in several U.S. magazines, and they actively teach their craft to younger artisans.

Glowing Bronze Handmade Hammock

(buy it now price, $75.99)

A group called the Maya Artists of the Yucatan consists of male and female artisans, who weave both hammocks (the traditional "beds" of the Maya) and brightly colored shawls.

Hand Blown Murano Art Glass Vase, Brazil

(buy it now price, $127.99)

Publications such as In Style and Natural Health have featured gorgeous modern Murano glass vases by Murano Artisans of Brazil, a group who learned the craft from Italian immigrants that settled in the area in the early 20th century.

Reverse Painted Glass Tray, Peru

(buy it now price, $99.95)

Peruvian master artisan Edmundo Contreras paints 19th century motifs from nature and the Andean culture on wood, ceramic and glass decorative objects. His technique of using painted glass and crackled finishes (a melding of traditional and modern methods) has won him notoriety in his home country.

Batik Handmade Robe, Bali

(buy it now price, $54.99)

Desak Nyoman Parwati followed her heart by starting her own art studio in Bali, where she and her small staff, create beautiful, one-of-a kind garments.

Men’s Leather Braided Bracelet

(buy it now price, $19.99)

After a long day’s hard work as a Bangkok taxi driver, Tanyasit began making jewelry in the cool of the evenings. Now that he has put his daughters through school, he would like to focus more on his craft.

Aztec Calendar Ceramic Wall Sculpture

(starting bid, $22.35)

Angel Ceron, who comes from a long line of artists, learned this ceramic technique from his father. Ceron studied pre-Hispanic cultures and even learned an ancient Mesoamerican language. He now spends his time making amazingly detailed yellow Oaxacan clay replicas of pre-Hispanic art.

Inca Hand Woven Red Wool Area Rug

(buy it now price, $127.95)

Because of turmoil and violence, Zosimo Laura and his family were forced to flee their home in the Peruvian countryside. Now settled in an urban center, Laura is intent on passing his family's weaving tradition down to his family.

Love Garden Carved Walnut Jewelry Box, India

(buy it now price, $79.95)

These walnut boxes were intricately carved by M. Ayub, who learned the craft of wood-working and carving of walnut trees as a boy in Kashmir, India. This particular craft is a dying art, and Ayub has devoted himself to preserving it.

Helping Hands Carved Wood Art Sculpture, Bali

(buy it now price, $49.95)

As a boy, Wayan Dirga learned his craft from the expert carvers in his community. He hopes his modern interpretations of Balinese culture and customs, like this two-handed letter holder, will appeal to collectors across the globe.

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