MANUFACTURE OF BANGLES FROM THE CHANK-SHELL. 187 



reversed variety is held saered by the priests, who administer medicine from 

 it. This shell, from its weight and smoothness is used in Dacca, for 

 calendering or glazing, and in Nepal for giving a polished surface to paper. 

 Tlie following figures will show the importance of the trade in this 

 shell, even in its rough state, before it has passed into the hands of the 

 manufacturer. 



Value of the Chahk shells imported into the two Presidencies of Bengal 

 and Madras, in the years ending 30th April. 

 Madras. Calcutta. 



£1,360 1855 



574 1857 



3,263 1858 



9,769 1859 



The principal demand for these shells is for making bangles, or arm- 

 lets and anklets, and the manufacture is still almost confined to Dacca. 

 The solid porcellanous shell is sliced into segments of circles, or narrow 

 rings of various sizes, by a rude semi-circular saw, the hands and toes 

 being both actively employed in the operation. 



1851 



£3,649 



1852 



2,844 



1853 



4,565 



1854 



5,521 



Madras. 



Calcutta. 



£1,198 



£5,998 



6,321 



4,765 



3,954 







6,132 



4,256 



Saw employed for Cuttiug the Shell. 



The introduction of circular saws has been attempted by some 

 European gentlemen, but steadily resisted by the natives, despite their 

 obvious advantages. Some of these bangles, worn by the Hindoo 

 women, are beautifully coloured, gilded, and ornamented with gems. 

 The shell rings are coated inside with plaster to take off the rough- 

 ness. Filagree bordered edges of plaster are also added ; patterns and 

 devices of red, blue, and gold, are figured on them, and they are further 

 ornamented with silver or gold tinsel, spangles, small coloured glass 

 beads &c. The larger bracelets, formed of many segments, are made to 

 open, to admit the hand, by two spiral pins, which unscrew, and let out the 



