Our delightful strings of Indian recycled brass bells have their history in the bells used to decorate domestic animals. Their gentle tinkle can still be heard around the world when goats and sheep pass by. Our bells are all hand made from metal sheet composed of scrap brass and copper found in and around Bhuj, Gujarat. The bell crafters enjoy flexible work from home that can fit around their other family commitments. The crafting of bells in this area of India is centuries old. They are still made using the traditional processes of heating and beating.
The sound that emanates from each bell depends on the artisan’s skills, the shape and size of the bell and the metal that is used to make the striker inside the bell. Once only used for domestic animals these bells have now found their way into our homes as wind chimes and wall decorations. Different types of cattle wear different bells. Our bells were (and still are) used to keep track of sheep and goats.
Once made, the bells are then sent to a family ran workshop in Jaipur, owned by Karan (pictured) and his father. Here, the little white glass beads are threaded onto cotton string together with the bells, making a decoration that is perfect throughout the year but especially joyous at Christmas time or any other celebration. Every time you walk past them have a jingle and you will be transported to a hillside in India where sheep and goats graze in the lazy sunny climes.
