Metal Craft of Leh, Ladakh

A variety of metal objects such as teapots, lamps, chang pots, musical instruments, prayer wheels and religious artifacts are made in Ladakh using Copper and Brass.

The metal is beaten into shape to form the desired article. The implements used in the making of this craft are hammers, pairs of scissors, tongs, chisels, pliers and needles. The patterns on the surface are either created by repousse work or engraved. Further embellishing is done with silver.

The common motifs are dragons, floral patterns similar to those on Ladakhi caps and brocaded cloth, rgya-nag Icags-ri (interlocking pattern on carpet borders and edges of socks; The Great Wall of China), and yumdumlagyut (pattern in prayer room decorations).

Besides the mentioned articles, other items crafted are butter lamps (used in Buddhist rituals), utensils like handles of whisks, spoons and bowls, agricultural tools, tubular scroll containers, doorknobs and locks.

However, due to growing sales in craft items from other places, the demand for these handcrafted articles in Ladakh has plunged, consequently threatening the craft with swift disappearance.