Camel Bone Art

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.

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:-