Bell Metal

Metal craft comprises of one of the oldest cottage industries of Assam. In the Hajo region of Kamrup district, close to Guwahati and the Sarthebari region in the same district is famous for its bell-metal products like kalah (water pot) and tal (cymbals) with practically the entire population engaged in their production. Bell-metal items are also produced in Titabor, Jorhat district and Raha in the district of Nagaon.

A traditional Assamese dinner is served on kahi (plates) and bati (bowls) made of bell metal and food kept in containers made from this material stays fresh for a long time. Xorai, a bell-metal offering tray fashioned on a stand with or without a cover, has become the traditional symbol of Assam and is used to offer paan (stuffed betel leaves) to visitors.

These utensils make attractive souvenirs for visitors and in a bid to accommodate their products in modern contemporary homes; artisans are constantly innovating new product ideas.