Kansari

Miniature images of gods, goddesses and decorative figures which are cast solid are also made by these artisans. The technique used is a fine-oiled, sand casting method where metals used are brass, copper, bronze, silver, and octo alloy (an alloy of eight metals --- gold, silver, copper, tin, nickel, zinc, lead, and iron). The metalsmiths of West Bengal who work with copper and its alloys are known as kangsakars or kansaris and while one group originates from the karmarkars or blacksmiths, the other originates from the pasana branch of sutradhars, the carpenter and wood-carving caste. Traditional metal ware is made by casting, forging, hammering or shaping. The metals used are copper and its alloys.