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Shell crafts are in great demand in India. It has religious and social significance. The ornaments made out of shells are favourite with people from all stratas of Society. Shells are the most colourful and fascinating objects known to man other than Gems since time immemorial. They served as money, ornaments, and musical instruments, drinking cups, in magic and in the making of fine porcelains. They were also the symbols in rituals and religious observances. Shells such as Giant clam, Green mussel and Oyster support edible shellfishery, a few like Scallop, Clam and Cockle are burnt in kiln to produce edible lime.
For finishing, holes are sealed with wax and five coloured drops are painted on the joint. The bangles are then put in nitric acid solution and finally polished with a dry cloth. In order to utilize the broken pieces, they are joined together to make them into coloured bangles. The pieces are tied together by an extremely thin tin coil and coloured . Artifacts made from Counch Shell Bangles, bracelets spoons, forks, lockets, costume Jewellery, decorative measuring bowls, armlets. Tortoise shell craft  The tortoise shell has a very limited use. A large number of shell workers, organised as private units. Their products extend from cleaned and polished decorative shells to table lamps, ashtrays, jewellery and buttons. A number of finer objects can be made from the polished shells with their pearly shine. Small boxes round and square as well as bangles are made of tortoise shell.
Procedure of making Tortoise shell craft The apex, tip and edges are first cut off with a hammer and the inner dust is cleaned. Next, tightly wedged between two bamboo stakes,the shell is placed between the right heel and left toe of the artisan. With the help of saw, the base is cut and from the remaining portion the ring shapes are sliced by a curved saw. For finishing, holes are sealed with wax and five coloured drops are painted on the joint. The bangles are then bleached in nitric acid solution and finally polished with a dry cloth. The joining is done with the help of a lac stick, a gum from lac, resin and shell powder. The pieces are tied together by an extremely thin tin coil and coloured. The tortoise shell has very limited use. It is used along with ivory. The shell surface of the box is overlaid by net as it were of intricate patterns of ivory fretwork so that only through this perforated lacy surface, one get the orange glow of shell. The design consists of fine geometrical patterns or epic figures, or animals fringed by floral edging. The best-known product of shell is a beautiful octagonal jewel box with the ivory net cover. Artifacts made from Tortoise shell : Bangles, bracelets, spoons, forks, lockets, costume jewellery, decorative measuring bowls, armlets, small boxes, bangles, jewellery, decorative items, table lamps, ashtrays, buttons etc.  Sea Shell Product
The abundance of small and large varieties of shells along the Indian coast, the Sea shell craft is being practised by coastal people. Sea shells have been known to please every human eyes with their majestic shapes and colours since ages. The shells are used to produce a variety of products, starting from attractively designed animals to human figures depicting ethnic costumes of various sizes. We can trace existence of this craft since Portuguese rule in Goa. Goa is the centre of Craft activities in India. In Portuguese architectures of Goa, one can see doors and windows decorated with sea-shells. In that sense, it can be said that the sea shell is one of the original crafts of Goa. The sea shell products of Goa are known throughout the length and breadth of our country. The items produced by the crafts persons are both utility and decorative. The items include posters, curtains, chandeliers, pot hangers, table lamps and mirror frames etc. Procedure of making Sheshell products The she shells are to be picked up and collected along the sea-beaches. The shell is generally defiled and some times buried deep in the sand and hence undergoes process of cleaning. The shells are cut to desired sizes and shapes and then washed in water. Further cleaning is done with chemicals so as to give the shells, a sparkling and ornamental look. The shells after cleaning are used in making of various products as per the designs and shapes of the items. In most of the designs like curtains, chandeliers, shapes are made after making holes in the shells and then connecting them with nylon thread, beads. In other items like table lamps coaster etc., the shells are pasted with one another with the help of an adhesive to give it the shape of the product. Artifacts made from She Shell Posters, chandeliers, curtains, pot hangers, table lamps, table mats, clock and mirror frames | |||||||||||||||||||
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Counch Shell Work