Each bell has a characteristic musical note. Before being poured, it is very carefully studied. The note is determined by the dimensions and the bell’s geometrical shape is determined by its diameter and the relationship between the thickness at the beating place.

To make a bell, a mold having the shape of the bell must first be constructed ; then molten metal in poured into this mold.

The mold material is a mixture of clay, goat hair and horse manure. The horse manure increases the clay’s resistance to heat. Goat hair is used as a flexible and porous frame.

- 1^st part of the mold : THE CORE

On a construction of fireproof brick assembled with a mixture of clay, horse manure and goat hair, more of the same mixture in layered on to reproduce the inside shape of the mold.

To dry the core, a coal fire is kept going. Then, an isolating layer is put on this part so that the second part does not adhere to the first.

- 2^nd part of the mold : THE " FAKE BELL "

The mold is cut out following the outside profile, the empty space giving the volume of the future bell. The hard part of the " fake bell " is reproduced using clay and goat hair. It is then layered with cow fat for perfect smoothness and the decorations and inscriptions that go on the bell are stamped in wax from wood carvings.

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- 3 ^rd part of the mold : PUTTING ONT THE DECORATION

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