Small World Goods

Copper Bells

$18.00 USD

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Handmade by Abdul and his 4 brothers in Kutch, India.

The unique melodic tones that emanate from Kutch's metal bells give voice to a centuries-old craft tradition that the Muslim Lohar community brought to Kutch from Sindh. These metal bells have long adorned the necks of cattle, camels, sheep, and goats which graze in Kutch's arid plains. The bells signify each animal's status and position in the herd. Only the head of the herd is worthy of wearing the largest bell. The bells were also hung in the home as an indicator of earthquakes and storms. Nowadays, the bells and their enchanting sounds are used as wind chimes and show pieces around the home.

Kutch copper bells are made from used scrap metal sheets of mixed metals such as iron, brass, and copper. Rectangular strips of recycled metal are hammered into a cylindrical hollow. Then a dome-like metal crown is welded to the bell's cylindrical body. After that, a metal strip is attached to the crown so the bell can be hung. Once the bell is shaped, it is dipped in a solution of earth and water, covered with a mixture of powdered brass and copper, and then wrapped in a pancake of local clay and cotton. After the bell is properly baked in a kiln, the cotton is peeled away, and any excess clay rubbed off. Each bell is buffed and polished to accentuate its unique metallic lustre, tinged with shades of yellow, gold, red, and brown. A ringer, made of dense wood called sheesham, is attached inside the bell, converting the hollow metal object into a musical work of art.

Finally, each bell's tone is carefully hand set with a tool called an ekalavai. The quality of a bell's tone is a reflection of the artisan's skill.

Product Details

Care for Handmade Clothes

Handloomed Fabric

Gentle wash in cold water
Wash dark colors separately
Hang dry out of direct sunlight
Handle with ♥️

Handknit Cotton

Hand wash in cold water
Wash dark colors separately
Lay flat to dry, out of direct sunlight
Handle with ♥️

Hand-Dyed Clothes

As with all hand-dyed products, some color variation within and between items is normal, and part of their beauty.

Hand-dyed products may bleed slightly when wet, so please follow cleaning instructions carefully.

Bleach should never be used on these garments as it can cause damage and even yellowing.

Care for Plant Dyed Clothes

Special Care for Plant Dyed Clothes

Some things can cause what looks like a stain on plant-dyed clothing, but it's actually a chemical reaction usually reversed with water!

Follow these steps if you notice spots from...

Citrus, Vinegar, Wine, Tea, Coffee & Other Highly Acidic Foods

soak the entire garment in cold water for at least 1 hour (best overninght).
wash according to care label instructions.
repeat if necessary.

Alkaline Deodorants with Baking Soda

dilute ph neutral detergent in warn water & soak garment for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight).
gently rub stains if needed.
repeat if necessary

Cooking Oil, Beauty Oil, Grease

sprinkle baking powder on stain
let siit 30 mins
soak in warm water, then wash according to care label
repeat if necessary

How to Wash Plant Dyed Clothing

Hand wash in cold color with soft, PH neutral soap (some examples are ECOS, 7th Generation, Eucalan, & Woolite)

If washing on the hand wash cycle of a machine, washing in a garment bag will help avoid snags
Wash dark colors separately
The colors of plant based dye will mellow over time, adding a whole new dimension to your wardrobe
Do not bleach
Hang or lay dry out of direct sunlight
Handle with ♥️