Copper Bells

Handmade by Abdul and his 4 brothers in Kutch, India.  The unique melodic tones that emanate from Kutch's metal bells give voice to a centuries-old craft tradition that the Muslim Lohar community brought to Kutch from Sindh. These metal bells have long adorned the necks of cattle, camels, sheep, and goats which graze in Kutch's arid plains. The bells signify each animal's status and position in the herd. Only the head of the herd is worthy of wearing the largest bell. The bells were also hung in the home as an indicator of earthquakes and storms. Nowadays, the bells and their enchanting sounds are used as wind chimes and show pieces around the home.  Kutch copper bells are made from used scrap metal sheets of mixed metals such as iron, brass, and copper. Rectangular strips of recycled metal are hammered into a cylindrical hollow. Then a dome-like metal crown is welded to the bell's cylindrical body. After that, a metal strip is attached to the crown so the bell can be hung. Once the bell is shaped, it is dipped in a solution of earth and water, covered with a mixture of powdered brass and copper, and then wrapped in a pancake of local clay and cotton. After the bell is properly baked in a kiln, the cotton is peeled away, and any excess clay rubbed off. Each bell is buffed and polished to accentuate its unique metallic lustre, tinged with shades of yellow, gold, red, and brown. A ringer, made of dense wood called sheesham, is attached inside the bell, converting the hollow metal object into a musical work of art. Finally, each bell's tone is carefully hand set with a tool called an ekalavai. The quality of a bell's tone is a reflection of the artisan's skill.