Camel Bone Art

Some of India’s most beautiful & amazing crafts are made with camel bones. It is similar to the beautifully  carved elephant tusks. However, the latter is a banned item today. This highly skilled Awadhi-style art form is all about carving ornaments out of camel bones. The centuries-old Camel Bone Art demands proficiency in using miniature ‘tilli’ tools and painting techniques.

As a matter of fact, bones have been used from ancient times to make jewellery & other utility items.Decorative items such as lockets, bracelets, necklaces and key chains are all made from camel bones and are carved by hand.

The art requires a great deal of concentration as the machines used are not only delicate but dangerous too. They pose health risks. They comprise grinders and shapers which are more sharp-edged than the sharpest knives.

Available at Delhi:- Poonam Backliwal, Variety Arts emporioum, Rajasthali,

At Chennai:- Cottage Art Emporium

At Jaipur:- Rajasthali

The Making of Camel Bone Art

For this intricate art form, artisans collect bones from deceased camels (only after the flesh has decomposed). These are later cut into different sizes in a workshop in accordance with the project.

Post chemical treatment, bones of the legs and hips of a camel are generally used for this traditional handicraft. Following techniques are taken note of in the carving of bones:-

Sourcing of raw materials

Preparatory process (cutting of bones and cleaning).

Transferring of final design onto the particular bone.

Turning and Carving with a file drill.

Smoothening of surface.

Finishing of the product.

Some of the items are painted in vivid colours  such as orange, red, blue ,green & gold as well. For instance a square or a round box is made with camel bone in beautiful bright colours.They can be used to store jewellery or other small items. Similarly, intricate carving on white coloured camel bone is also a stunning masterpeice.