Brass & Bell Metal

The Brass & Bell Metal work is popular in West Bengal. Handed down to generations of metalworkers. From domestic utensils for everyday use to vessels for observance of rituals, the emphasis is always on strength of form. Copper being the earliest of metals, they made their tools & utensils in copper. Later they learnt to make alloys. The casting on Bronze during the Mohenjodaro period is well known. Time made craftsmen improve their skill. The objects were more simple then decorative. They mainly carved household products. Famous is the "Pai" of Birbhum for their engraved brass work on wooden bowls.

Bankura Birbhum, Midnapur, Burdwan, Uttar & Dakshin Dinajpur, Malda, Midnapore, Murshildabad, Nadia are engaged in the crafts.