Metal bells are made from the collective work and skill of a family. First, men shape each bell. They hammer rectangular strips of recycled metal into a cylindrical hollow and weld a dome-like metal crown to the bell's cylindrical body. Next, artisans bend and attach a metal strip to the crown so the bell can be hung. Once the bell is shaped, women dip it in a solution of earth and water. They cover the wet bell with a mixture of powdered brass and copper. With its powdered coat, the bell is wrapped in a pancake of local clay and cotton and placed in a kiln to bake. After it is properly baked, the cotton is peeled away and any excess clay is rubbed off. Each bell is buffed and polished to accentuate its unique metallic sheen. A ringer, made of a dense wood called Sheesham, is attached inside the bell, converting the hollow metal object into a music maker.