Lac bangles from Bihar

Can one believe that these glittering bangles are made from lac, a resin like substance derived from trees? However, these artifacts from Bihar make us spellbound with its perfection and artistic beauty.

Lac, while heating, becomes very ductile and can be given any shape. The bangle makers press the lac stick against a rotating woodenware to shape the bangle. After shaping, decorations are done with pieces of glinting mirrors and painted stripes.

The Lac bangles are entirely handmade and require a great deal of patience. Bangle making is a household activity in the Bihari villages. These bangles are exhibited in Surajkund Crafts Mela held annually in the month of February in the state of Haryana, India.