Wallachians, who brought a peculiar sheep farming method to our territory, were also behind the increase
of bell production, spreading this craft across the whole country. The primary function of bells was directly linked to shepherding, serving both shepherds and beasts indiscriminately. Quite understandably, they were used to signal the whereabouts of freely grazing animals. Also sheep could orientate following their sound, making their herding considerably simpler. Secondly, lost animal could trace back its herd, or its ?masters? could easily find a hiding individual.
Production of both iron and cast bells used for livestock and sheep dates back to the second half of the 19th century. Mountainous regions were main centres of this fairly recent new industry. Here, bells made of brass alloy were produced. Jelsava in central Slovakia was famous for its wrought iron bells tradition going back to the beginning of the 18th century forming thus a locally important craft.
Quite logically, shepherds were the main customers of bell artisans. As good fame spreads easily, Slovak bells were well sought-after abroad, being exported to many neighbouring countries. Both demands and taste of the customers grossly determined bell's size, shape, decoration and tone. Sadly, nowadays the whole bell production is exclusively centred in hands of shepherds as artisans workshops have definitely been wiped out. Therefore, each existing traditionally made bell is doubly valued. There is only a handful of surviving old bell masters, which is a shame, as all their expertise, skills and craftsmanship are irreversibly dying out with them.
Bell production, as numerous other crafts, were richly reflected in folk art, namely in songs, riddles and rhymes where they are mostly referred as strange gadgets producing quite extraordinary melodic sound echoing pleasurably in one?s ears. Where else then on mountains would the perfectly synchronised symphony of bells sound better? Over the years rhythmical song of bells has become an intact part of Slovak mountainous regions.
"Sheep, my sheep with bells clinking around your necks"