BELL METAL BAAN BATI (BOWL WITH STAND)

The bell-metal industry of Assam is the second-largest handicraft sector after bamboo craft. Bell-metal is an alloy of copper and tin and the craftsmen of this industry are referred to as ‘Kahar’ or ‘Orja’. The objects made are mostly used in domestic and religious purposes. Normal Baan Bati is used in traditional occasions. Bell metal was used to cast many early Spanish, Portuguese and Malay cannons, most notably the Malay cannon known erroneously as Rentaka. In Java, bell metal mixtures including tin were also used for the manufacture of figurines, objets d’art, sculptures and household goods for the wealthy.
Bell metal was used to cast many early Spanish, Portuguese and Malay cannons, most notably the Malay cannon known erroneously as Rentaka. In Java, bell metal mixtures including tin were also used for the manufacture of figurines, objets d’art, sculptures and household goods for the wealthy.

The tradition is believed to have started ages back and the craftsmen still prepare the objects manually adhering to the age-old technique by implementing the old tools required for burning and shaping the metal. Historically, this craft form dates back to the 7th century AD. Various written records reveal that the bell metal industry of Assam existed from the time of Kumarbhaskarvarman, the king of the Varman Dynasty, when, the Kumar of eastern India gifted drinking vessels to Harshavardhana of Kannauj.
This Normal Baan Bati made of Bell Metal handcrafted by artisans of Sarthebari, Assam