Bell Metal

THE MOST FAMOUS OF SOUTH INDIA'S ART FORM IS PROBABLY ITS BRONZE OR OTHERWISE CALLED BELL METAL.

Temple Bell craft is practised in places like Kumbakonam and Nachiarkoil in Tanjore District of Tamil Nadu, the most important aspect in the bell production is making of proper alloy consisting of copper and tin to get the correct sound

The recommended ratio of the above metals to achieve the required alloy is 80:20 of Copper: Tin. There are three types of bells like Pooja Bells, Temple Bells and Church Bells.

Bell Metal is also extensively used in parts of Kerala to produce different Lamps and Animal Figures. Bigger vessels called Uruli is also made out of Bell Metal in Kerala

The wonder of the Art is that smelting and casting are done by primitive methods and no modern machines and Furnaces are used. It is village art passed from generation to generation