Bell metal industry of northern districts facing extinction
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Our Correspondent
SIRAJGANJ, Dec 13: The traditional brass and bell metal industry of the northern districts has been gradually perishing for last three decades.
Sirajganj, Pabna and Bogra once were famous for bell metal and brass industries. Household appliance and utensils made at the factories were used in almost every house of the region, both rich and poor.
The artisans of the area used to make almost all kinds of household accessories like brass plate, pitcher, dish, spoon, goblets, flower vase, statue, toy etc, which were widely used by Hindus and Muslims alike.
Besides, ornaments made of brass and bell metals were also exported to different countries.
Moreover, the brass and bell metal utensils had a health value, according to some people. Those who take their meal off brass or bell metal wares are likely to be free from a number of common diseases, they said.
Presently, about 4500 people, connected with this age old industries, have been forced to abandon their ancestral profession and accepted other jobs to earn their livelihood.
The artisans told FE that due to the scarcity of copper and zinc, the basic ingredients to produce the bell metal, the industry is on the verge of collapse.
SIRAJGANJ, Dec 13: The traditional brass and bell metal industry of the northern districts has been gradually perishing for last three decades.
Sirajganj, Pabna and Bogra once were famous for bell metal and brass industries. Household appliance and utensils made at the factories were used in almost every house of the region, both rich and poor.
The artisans of the area used to make almost all kinds of household accessories like brass plate, pitcher, dish, spoon, goblets, flower vase, statue, toy etc, which were widely used by Hindus and Muslims alike.
Besides, ornaments made of brass and bell metals were also exported to different countries.
Moreover, the brass and bell metal utensils had a health value, according to some people. Those who take their meal off brass or bell metal wares are likely to be free from a number of common diseases, they said.
Presently, about 4500 people, connected with this age old industries, have been forced to abandon their ancestral profession and accepted other jobs to earn their livelihood.
The artisans told FE that due to the scarcity of copper and zinc, the basic ingredients to produce the bell metal, the industry is on the verge of collapse.