Handmade in India

BRASS AND BELL METAL WARE
Production Clusters
Dhenkanal district:
Bhuban:
Gopalpurpatna
village
Ganjam district:
Jagmohan,Mamudia,
Devbhumi,Mathura,
Kabli Surya Nagar,
Nuapentha, Patrapur,
Dhabra,Bellaguntha,
Berhampur
Gajapati district:
Parla khemund:
Gunpur district:
Gunpur,Sahara
Puri district:
Balakati,Bainchua,
Brahmagiri,Itamati,
Rajsunalhal
Balasore district:
Remuna
Cuttack district:
Bhatimunda
Balangir district:
Toroba
BRASS AND BELL metal,considered to be pure have
traditionally been used in making utensils.These vessels are used
during auspicious occasions and are part of most Indian
households,and also given as dowry.The craft is practiced by the
Kansari (derived from Kansya meaning bell metal)craftsmen who
work with brass,bell metal and copper.Using scraps of
metal,craftsmen exact the required material or make the alloys in
the form of a disc.These are heat-forged and shaped with hammers
by several artisans working in close coordination.Thereafter a
gadha,master craftsman,gives it the final shape with a light
hammer.The vessel is smoothened and finished on the lathe.Mass
produced articles made of steel,aluminium and plastic are now
posing a threat to this craft.
1. A craftsmen finishing a cast vessel on
the lathe.
2. Brass ghagri for fetching and storing
water.
3. Plate with small cast bowls attached
to it.
4. Beaten brass bowl.
5. Large cooking vessel.
Tools
Hatudi-hammers
Sandasi-pincers
Ruha / Ugha - file
Lihini-scraper
Bhanra-hand operated
drill
Drill
Kala pankha-hand
blower
Koi-crucibles
Products
Thali-tray
Thalia-plates
Qina-cup
Bela-bowl
Lota-water pot
Pilisaja-wick stand
Dibi-lamp
Kunda-water tub
Gora-pot for water
Dhudpadani-flower
vase
Khatuli-seat for idols
Ginni-small cymbals
Tale-big cymbals
Rukha-big lamps
BRASS ORNAMENTS
Production Clusters
Dhenkanal district:
Karamal town:
Govardhanpur
Bhuban
Allkhuma
Indipur
Products
Necklaces
Hairpins
Rings
Tools
Dhar-scarp iron
Umehi-pot to burn
charcoal
Jantii-die
Ruha-file
Katuri-cutter
PROMPTED BY THE low demand for utensils
of bell metal and brass,some craftsmen from the
Kansari community have also started making
ornaments with brass.An inherent understanding
of the metal has encouraged the craftsmen to
produce these brass ornaments which are
cheaper than the traditional silver and gold
jewellery.The ornaments are inspired by tribal
jewellery and also by the intricate silver filigree
of Cuttack and Puri.Angular and circular beads
are fashioned and then used for creating
necklaces.The craftsmen also make hairpins and
rings.
1. Brass beads and leaf-shaped strips are
strung to make a necklace with a brass
clasp.
2. Detail of a brass pendant.
3. Detail of a necklace made of brass faceted
beads,Govardhanpur.