Ethnography Of Traditional Bell Metal Craft Technology Practiced In Bankura District

Abstract

Tradition of brass and bell metal work is still persisting in different parts of eastern India.  Rarh Bengal is one of the most important traditional brass and bell-metal crafts region.  These are non-industrial mode of technology and production, which is Practice by a number of hereditary groups. As example Kangsbanik, Karmakar, Kansari and Dhokra Kamar etc. Pukhuria (22.9351°N, 86.9662°E) is one important traditional bell metal technology center of Bankura district as well as Rarh Bengal, West Bengal, India.   The artisans of Pukhuria village are specialized in making different sizes bell metal bowl and followed cast and wrought metal technique. This is locally known as Jam Bati, Ci Bati, Sada Bati etc. In this paper an attempt has been made to discuss the technological aspect of contemporary brass and bell metal work, which is practiced by artisans of Pukhuria, Bankura district. It may also highlight the sources of raw material, different tools, processing, finishing of objects etc.