Bell

1st century CE
Not on view
Small bells were worn by household pets or as jewelry (like the nearby bracelet bell).
Lost-Wax Cast Bells
The art of lost-wax metal casting has been used on the west coast of Africa for centuries. The technique uses wax, traditionally beeswax, to create a form. Next, a clay mold is formed around the beeswax, and the wax is melted away. The final step involves pouring liquid metal into the clay mold and after it is cooled, breaking the clay. These small crotal and clapper bells were all formed using the lost-wax technique.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bell
  • Date: 1st century CE
  • Geography: Padua, Italy
  • Culture: Italian (Ancient Roman)
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: H. 7.6 x Diam. 4.4cm (3 x 1 3/4in.)
  • Classification: Idiophone-Struck-bell-clapper
  • Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
  • Object Number: 89.4.2429
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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