Conch-Shell


About  CONCH Shell


Conch-shell craft refers to the art of engraving beautiful images on natural shells obtained from the sea. Obtained from the Turbinella Pyrum a large predatory sea snail found in the Indian Ocean. These shells have an oblong or conical shape with a protuberance in the middle and tapering ends. The upper portion features a corkscrew-shaped siphonal canal, while the lower end remains twisted and tapering. The shell's color is dull, with a hard, brittle, and translucent surface. Internally, it is hollow, with shiny inner surfaces and highly tuberculated outer surfaces. In Hinduism, the shiny white, soft shankh with pointed ends is highly prized for religious purposes.

                                     Conch-Shell Carving
 

  Conch shell craft is one of the oldest folk crafts of West Bengal, practiced by craftsmen             known as  Shankhari or Sankhakar. They belong to the ancient group called                           'Nabasakha.'

Conch shell artisans in Bengal each have their unique carving styles, with some depicting Lord Shiva or Mahabharata episodes, while others focus on stories of Lord Krishna. Carving a conch shell is a meticulous process, taking two to three months for a single item. This craft has been practiced in Bengal for ages due to its proximity to the sea.

The newly wed bride in Bengal wears bangles crafted from conch shells intermingled with those fashioned in lac for the first time on her wedding day. Conch shells are blown homes and temples at dawn and dusk to ward off evil spirits and protect people.



                                                                                       Sakha - wear by new wed bride


The blowing of the conch or shankh needs tremendous power and respiratory capacity. Hence, propelling it daily helps to keep the lungs healthy. Used as an important ritual object for sacred ceremonies, it was also operated as a ceremonial trumpet, announcing important messages in war fields.
Today, conch shells serve various purposes, from spiritual ceremonies to home decor worldwide. With intricate engravings, they're renowned in Bengal and beyond. Besides engravings, conch shell crafts include making table lamps, incense holders, and jewelry like armlets and designer lockets. Popular spots to buy conch shell articles include Bishnupur, Murshidabad, Malda, Purba Medinipur and Nadia. Despite its rarity, the shell industry remains vital for many families, blessed by the gods.  


                                                                                              home decor








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