Vintage Handmade Pahāḍa Yak, Goat & Sheep’s Bells - 5" Bell

These traditional Himalayan bells once moved with yak, goats, and sheep across high-altitude terrain, their melodic sound drifting through thin mountain air. The mid-sized Pahāḍa bells retain that heritage while functioning today as decorative bells and wind chimes. Each piece is shaped by hand, cured by fire, and tuned by ear rather than measurement, resulting in a bell with a fuller, expressive chime that responds naturally to movement and airflow.

• Distinct Sound: Every bell carries its own voice, formed by the rhythm of the hammer, the thickness of the metal, the length of the firing, and the character of the clapper inside. These sizes produce a rounded, resonant tone that lingers gently, making them especially suited for wind chime use.
• Traditional Fire-Curing Technique: Yak butter is applied to the bell before it is placed over open flame, where it cures slowly for up to 48 hours. This process deepens resonance while leaving behind a naturally aged surface marked by smoky hues, softened edges, and tonal variation that cannot be replicated through modern finishes.
• Optional Handwoven Straps: Wool straps are woven by female artisans in Nepal using traditional looms. Available in multiple color groups and three size options, each strap adds texture and visual interest while allowing the bell to be styled intentionally. Because straps are handmade and purchased separately, each pairing creates a unique decorative presentation.
  

Once worn by wandering herds, now bringing a grounded, sculptural presence to interior and sheltered outdoor spaces. The  5 inch, and 7–8 inch Pahāḍa bells offer a balanced scale that allows both visual presence and audible character. Hand-shaped through heat and repetition, each goat  bell carries a deeper, more pronounced chime. Ethically made, these bells continue to appear as decorative wind chimes and in spiritual settings, valued for their sound.

• Unique Chime Signature: Each bell produces a distinct tone determined by its clapper shape, metal thickness, and individual firing time. Historically, these sound variations allowed herders to distinguish animals by ear across open terrain. In home décor and wind chime use today, the mid-sized bells offer a fuller, more resonant tone that carries gently on moving air.
• Fire-Cured with Yak Butter: After forming, each bell is coated in yak butter and cured over open flame for up to 48 hours. This traditional process hardens the metal, enriches tonal depth, and creates an antique metallic finish. Variations in color, surface texture, and finish are expected and reflect the duration and intensity of the firing.
• Hand-Hammered Metal Alloy: Each metal bell is shaped entirely by hand from a traditional metal alloy. The hammering process leaves subtle contours and irregularities that influence both appearance and sound. The result is a sturdy, weighty antique goat bell with a raw, tactile surface that reflects true handmade construction.
• Optional Woven Straps: Wool straps are not included with the bell. Optional handwoven straps are available separately and are crafted by female artisans in Western Nepal using untreated or naturally dyed wool yarn. These straps allow the vintage-style goat bells to be hung securely and styled as wind chimes or decorative accents while remaining fully customizable.
• Ethically Handmade: The bells are crafted in and around Tibetan refugee communities near Pokhara, Nepal. Production provides elderly artisans with fair wages, flexible work, and reliable income while preserving a traditional metalworking craft that has changed little over generations.
• Size Options Available: Pahāḍa bells are available in six sizes, from Extra Small through Extra Extra Large. The  5 inch, and 7–8 inch sizes are ideal for decorative hanging and wind chime use, offering increased visual presence and deeper resonance. Wool straps are available separately in Ornament, Medium, and Large sizes to accommodate different hanging heights and styling needs.

Specifications

• Material: Hand-hammered metal alloy
• Curing: Yak butter fire-curing for 12 to 48 hours
• Clapper: Metal or petrified wood
• Strap Material: Handwoven organic wool yarn, untreated or dyed
  
• Strap Sizes: Ornament 10 inches long x 1 inch wide, Medium 20 to 30 inches long x 1.5 inches wide, Large 36 inches long x 1.5 inches wide
• Bell Size: Approximately 5 inches
• Origin: Handmade in Nepal, Pokhara region
  

The 5 inch Pahāḍa bells can be used as hanging decor directly from their built-in metal loops or paired with separately purchased wool straps in Ornament, Medium, or Large lengths. Their size and weight make them ideal for use as decorative wind chimes on covered porches, entryways, windows, or interior decor where gentle movement allows the sound to carry naturally. They also work beautifully as sculptural accents adding visual appeal and auditory charm. Sheltered placement is recommended to protect from outdoor elements. To care for the bell, wipe the metal gently with a dry cloth as needed.

Production Details

• Vintage Pahāḍa bells were originally made in the Mustang region of Nepal, near the base of Mt. Annapurna.
• Handmade by generational metal craftsmen using methods passed down for hundreds of years.
• Paired with handwoven straps made by a small network of 7 artisans living in a Tibetan refugee camp in Nepal.
• Each bell and strap combination typically involves 3 skilled individuals.
• Strap weaving takes approximately 45 minutes for small/ornament, 2 to 3 hours for medium, and 4 to 5 hours for large straps.

Artisan Benefits

• Supports skilled strap weavers through consistent, fairly paid work.
• Helps preserve traditional weaving and heritage craft.
• Provides dignified, flexible work rooted in community.
• Gives vintage bells a second life when paired with handwoven straps.

Direct Impact

• Each purchase supports an elder care home in Nepal.
• Helps provide food, daily essentials, and personal spending money.
• Supports elders and care staff with flexible funds they can use where needed most.
• Helps cover everyday comforts, medical needs, and personal necessities.
• Connects each bell to care that continues beyond the craft.

Orders are processed within 2-3 business days and shipped from our U.S. studio. You’ll receive a tracking number as soon as your order is on its way. We want you to love your order. If something’s not right, you may request a return or exchange within 14 days of delivery. Items must be unused and in original packaging.

8943277900001