Desert Bells

These bells are made by Janmamad Luhar in the Kutchch desert region of western India. Janmamad Luhar employs an ancient technique of bell-making, passed on to him through generations. The bells are formed from sheets of recycled steel. They are beaten into shape by hand, then dipped in copper. Women make a dough that they pat around the bells; the bells are then buried under the hot desert sand in a kiln. The heat anneals the metals, welding them into bronze, giving each piece its unique patina. After firing, each bell is individually hand-tuned by Mr. Luhar. This is what truly makes each of these pieces unique!