Nepali Metal Craft
Nepal has been rich in natural resources including precious stones, minerals, forest products, waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and rivers. But its true beauty lies within its people who have created an amazing array of traditional craftsmanship. These crafts are like the soul of this country, they represent the traditional Nepalese culture and legacy.
This country has been known for its metalcrafts since ancient times. There are many types of metalcrafts that have been developed in Nepal. Some of them include jewelry, sculptures, temple decors, and traditional tools. These crafts are used for daily needs, religious ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations. They are usually crafted using copper, silver, gold, brass, bronze, iron, steel, zinc, aluminum, lead, nickel, tin, tungsten, titanium, mica, glass, wood, stone, clay, marble, and other materials.
Different Metal Crafts in Nepal
Nepal has been producing metalwork for over 2000 years, since the time of the Buddha. There are many types of metal craftsmanship that originated in Nepal including silverwork and goldwork. Today, Nepalese artisans continue to make metal objects such as jewelry, utensils, religious icons, and even statues.
There are basically three types of most popular metal crafts in Nepal:
- Gold Crafts
Gold jewelry is a Nepalese tradition that has been around for centuries. Crafted from pure gold, these handmade crafts are often given as gifts to family members. However, not many people outside of Nepal know about this unique cultural practice. There are many types of gold craft that can be found across the country. Some of these include; jewelry, silverware, gold plated items, and other decorative items. Many people collect them because they believe that these items bring good luck and fortune. Others just like to own something special that makes them unique which also showcases the wealth of the person.
(source: https://risingjunkiri.com/love-of-gold-in-nepali-culture/)
The Nepalese are known for their craftsmanship and gold making. They are considered experts at this art form and can make items for tourists from the precious metal. In Nepal, gold jewelry is considered to be a traditional craft, over the years, people have added innovations to their designs. These days, there is a wide range of Nepali gold jewelry. From simple rings to intricate chains, people can find what they want at any local market.
- Silver Crafts
Silver is another traditional material used in Nepalese craftsmanship. Like gold, it was first discovered in the mountains regions, and oday, it is known for its high quality and purity, making it a valuable commodity throughout the world. But like many other metals, its value is determined by supply and demand.
(source: https://www.himalayansilvercrafts.com/)
Nepal has been producing silver jewelry since ancient times. The art was passed down from generation to generation and developed over time. There are many types of silver jewelry that include earrings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, rings, anklets, finger rings, and so on. Some of these pieces have been around for centuries while others were introduced in the 20th century.
The silver crafts from Nepal are a very popular souvenir among tourists and locals alike. In fact, it is well known that the government began imposing restrictions on its production due to environmental damage. The silver souvenirs are now produced only in small quantities and are mainly used for religious purposes.
- Copper Crafts
Copper is one of the oldest metals used in crafting fine jewelry. Its use dates back over 5,000 years ago. This makes copper one of the most well-known precious metals today. While it may seem easy enough to just dig up any old rock and extract the metal, there is a lot of effort involved in mining it at current levels of production. To get copper ore into a usable form, large open pits called lodes need to be dug, earth removed, and heavy machinery needed to separate the ore. As you can imagine, this is no easy task.
(source:https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/brass-copper-craft-product-kathmandu-nepal-gm471832195-26601174)
Unlike other metal crafts, copper handicrafts are not as common as other souvenirs that you can buy in Nepal. However, if you do find some copper souvenir shops they offer copper bangles and copper jewelry that have pure quality compared to other jewelry that can be found everywhere, most of which are not genuine. You need to know how to identify the quality of cheap products and differentiate them from genuine products in the local markets.
Since Nepalese people appreciate this fine art, many businesses have started selling their products online. If you want to bring back something from Nepal, you should definitely consider getting a Copper souvenir.
Nepali Metal Crafts For Soveiners
- Sculptures
Nepali metal sculptures are a unique art form that is made using various metals like copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, iron, silver, and gold. These sculptures are used to decorate temples, monasteries, homes, churches, mosques, palaces, and other religious places. Some of these sculptures are even placed at the entrance of houses where they act as good luck charms. The artisans of Nepal have been creating metal sculptures since ancient times. The sculptures are often used as offerings for the Hindu gods. Some of these sculptures are actually over 2000 years old.
(source: https://www.holidify.com/pages/handicrafts-of-nepal-2036.html)
Nepalese metal craftsmen have been creating their own style of metal sculptures for centuries. Most of them use simple hammering techniques and hand tools – making each piece unique. Many people don’t realize how much human labor goes into creating a sculpture until they see it. There are usually many steps involved before you get your finished product including preparing the materials, hand-forging the tools, making molds, and even hand painting the pieces.
The Nepalese metal sculptures are very unique, as they can take years to make and require great skill and expertise to create. Each piece is made to order and can take anywhere between two weeks to several months to complete.
- Jewelries
Nepal has been famous for its jewelry since ancient times. There are many types of jewelry that can be worn according to the occasion. Some of them include silver jewelry, gold jewelry, jhumkas, mangalsutra, and kundan. These jewelry items are usually crafted from silver, copper, brass, gold, and other precious metals. These are usually worn as traditional adornments among different ethnic groups and are used as offerings to deities and spirits.
There are actually specific occasions when different types of jewelry are used in Nepal. Gold jewelry is usually given at the time of engagement and wedding. Gold jewelry is also used as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Silver jewelry can be used for daily use and special occasions. Silver jewelry is associated with love, friendship, marriage, success, fertility, good health, protection, and longevity. And, copper jewelry is used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. These pieces of jewelry are handcrafted using traditional methods. They are used to protect people from evil spirits and bad luck.
The traditional jewelry designs are inspired by nature and have religious significance. You can easily buy these products at local markets throughout the country.
- Khukuri
The khukuri (Nepali: खुक्री) is a Nepalese knife used commonly throughout the Himalayan regions. It has a curved blade that points backward at a 45° angle from its handle and weighs approximately 1 – 2 pounds. The word “khukuri” means “one who cuts off his/her head.” This refers to the fact that this type of knife was used by warriors to decapitate their enemies and is often referred to as the ‘head chopper’ due to its specific use.
Khukuri knife is usually made of high-carbon steel. A good quality kukuri knife can last for hundreds of years if well-maintained. There are many types of khukuri knives like dhanusi, tambuli, kirpan, maniswi, phurba, jambiya, and pakalpojya. Each of them has its own significance and uses.
(source: http://www.gurkhaskukri.com/product.php?id=51)
This ancient craft is still popular today, these weapons are designed with a unique technique that combines artistry and innovation. Khukuris have been crafted using steel wire and hardened clay, they are known for their sharpness, durability, and stability. There are two designs of “khukuris”, single edge and double-edged. They can be easily carried around in the hand, you can choose from different hilt designs, like tiger’s head hilts, elephant’s head hilts, and flower hilts. These swords come complete with sheaths. You can find these exquisite Nepalese blades at online stores and local markets, generally, the khukuris at local markets are more genuine.
- Tibetan Singing Bowls
Tibetan singing bowls are used to help heal the body, mind, and spirit. They have been used in Tibet for thousands of years and over this time, they have developed a strong resonance that can be felt throughout the body. These bowls were used in ancient times to protect against evil spirits, negative energies, and bad luck. Today, Tibetan singing bowls are used worldwide to clear energy blockages from the chakras, balance your emotional state of mind and bring about inner peace.
In Nepal, they are commonly used in Buddhist temples and monasteries where monks chant sutras (Buddhist scriptures) and perform rituals. Monks use them to meditate and pray. Tibetan singing bowl resonates at specific frequencies that affect different parts of the body. When placed near the head, the sound waves vibrate the skull and stimulate the pineal gland, helping to regulate moods and emotions. Placing them around the heart brings positive energy into the chest area and helps to balance love and compassion. Place them below the navel to encourage self-love and confidence.
Tibetan singing bowls are often used in combination with other healing modalities including Reiki, massage, reflexology, yoga, and meditation. A traditional bowl has a diameter of about 30 cm and weighs around 2 kg. Each bowl contains between 100-200 pebbles that are placed loosely inside the bowl. The size of each stone ranges from 1-4 cm. The sound produced by these bowls is called “Dorje”. It is said to be able to heal people who suffer from mental disorders, physical ailments, and even cancer. There are many different types of bowls depending on their shape, size, and materials. You can find them almost in every religious site in Nepal or in local markets and online stores.
- Decoration and Show Pieces
In Nepal, the decorations are produced according to festivals, local preferences, and traditional ideas like colors, patterns, and shapes. There are different types of decorations handcrafted in Nepal. The decorative handicrafts can be classified into five categories -wood carving, stone work, metal work, clay products, and textile works. Each category has many sub-categories depending upon the type of material used in each craftsmanship. Wood carvings are mainly created from teakwood and mahogany. Wood carvings are displayed on temple walls and shrines they are also used to create religious icons, statues, musical instruments, containers, toys, and tools.
(source:https://www.123rf.com/photo_76411441_nepali-souvenirs-offered-on-a-market-kathmandu-nepal.html)
Similarly, stone crafts include different types of stonemasonry, wall painting, terracotta, sculpture, brassware, and glass crafts. Stone craftsmen use natural stones like marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, shale, talc, and others. They carve these stones into sculptures, fountains, benches, animal figures, bird figures, vases, lamps, household items, temple items, idols, murals, borders, doorways, steps, pathways, and other architectural elements. Metal crafts generally consist of copper, silver, and goldsmithing. Metal craftsmen create different designs using metals like iron, steel, bronze, aluminum, lead, and tin. On the other hand, clay products are made from natural clays and minerals. These are made into different pottery crafts including utensils, pitchers, trays, bowls, plates, cups, dishes, jugs, pots, jars, kalas, vases, statues, ashtrays, figurines, lampshades, planters, toys, animals, birds, human figures, and other household and decorative items.
And, high-quality textiles are used for making clothes, bedding, bags, and shoes, including other apparel and household products. You can easily find these decorative products in the tourist hotspot areas and popular market areas inside and outside the capital valley.
History of Nepali Metal Craft
In ancient times, Nepal was known as “the land of gold”, due to its rich deposits of precious minerals and gemstones. The country was also well known for its skilled artisans who produced exquisite works of fine arts, jewelry, sculpture, metalwork, woodcarving, and painting.
Known for their craftsmanship and artistry, Nepali artisans have been creating these beautiful handicrafts for generations. There are many craftsmen who create these masterpieces using only traditional methods, without any use of electricity or machinery. This is how they have been doing it for centuries that’s why those metal crafts have high regard in local as well as international markets.
Most of the Nepali metal craft are concentrated in Kathmandu valley. Here they sell their products locally and export them to other countries, the artisans here use different techniques to create beautiful works. With changes in times and technologies many Nepali artisans have now started using modern techniques but many traditional crafts still remain popular. The metal; craft industry in Nepal has grown over the years from producing simple goods to high-end products that are renowned across the globe for their top quality.
Popularity of Nepali Metal Crafts
Nepalese metal crafts are some of the best in the world, they have been crafted since ancient times and still remain popular today. Many people collect them because they love their beauty and craftsmanship while others hold them dear for their religious values. There is no denying that Nepali metal crafts are very popular and in-demand all over the world. Here are a few reasons why the metal craftmanship of the country is beloved and held in high regard:
- Quality
Nepal has some of the best metal crafts in the world. They are not only beautiful but they can last for generations without fading away. There are many reasons behind this, first, the craftsmen have been practicing their craft for centuries, second, Nepal’s climate is perfect for handcrafting, and third, the craftsmen take pride in their work which results in some of the most astonishing work of arts.
- Variety
Nepal’s metal craft industry is diverse and offers a wide variety of items. This diversity can be attributed to variations in the climate, ethnic groups, traditions, cultures, and religions. Each region in Nepal has developed its own styles of metal crafts. They offer a large selection of products ranging from traditional designs to modernized versions of traditional crafts.
- Authenticity
The majority of Nepalese metal crafts are handmade and produced using natural materials. As a result, they are often characterized by their unique patterns, colors, textures, and designs. There are many reasons why these products are popular among tourists. First, they are affordable. Second, they provide a way to promote local communities and businesses. Third, they help preserve cultural heritage and traditions. Fourth, they allow visitors to experience the authentic Nepalese lifestyle.
- Craftsmanship
The craftsmanship that goes into making these products is what makes them unique. These items are not mass-produced like other items. This means that they have a higher quality and can be used over and over again. A lot of work goes into making these products and it shows. You can tell who has spent more time making something and this comes through in the end result.
- Durability
The materials used to create these products are usually natural and non-toxic. This means that they can be used over and over again without losing their quality. Many of them have stood the test of time without any major changes. Especially the metal crafts in the Nepali community that have been passed through different generations make a point on itself about the durability of artistic metal arts in the country.