Shell Craft

Conch shell craft has religious and social significance. Conch bangles are widely used in West Bengal. Whole conch shells used in marriages are often intricately carved.

Sea shell craft developed as an off shoot of fisheries. Along the Eastern coastline particularly Tamilnadu, many pwople are engaged in the craft

Overview of Techniques involved

1. Sourcing and Transporting raw materials and creation of wax model

Shells, Trims
Tools and instruments

2. Cleaning and Clipping

The shell is first washed thoroughly and dried.
The shell is clipped closer to the required form first

3. Shaping & carving

The using various hand tools and machinery the shell is then shaped and its surface smoothened.
During this process grooves are cut and perforations are made if required.

4. Finishing

The finished shapes are then smoothed and then assembled together.