PROCESS OF BELL METAL ART:

A basic model is prepared by using black soil mixed with rice husk

in appropriate ratio. Soft pilable dough is made by adding water in

it. A basic model of craft is made and dried in the sun.

For second layer, cleaned riverside soil is used. A powder of dung

and water is added and mixed thoroughly for smooth dough. It

applied all over the dry model & again left to dry in the sun.

The hard & dry model is filed & shaped with metal files to achieve a

proper shape. When the model is ready, it is scrubbed all over with

hands to remove dust. A very thin semi liquid layer of black soil is

applied over the model and is left to dry.

The bean leaves are then crushed by rubbing them between the

hands and applied over the model until it looks green. The purpose

of applying green liquid to model is to prevent the soil from sticking

to the model. The model is left to dry again in the sun.

Thin wax threads are then wrapped closely around the model. The

wax threads are made using hand-held press, which is also known

as phichki-pharni in Bastar.