Call bell - Priest's bell - Indonesia - Hanuman ritual bell

# Balinese Bronze Temple Bell (Genta) with Hanuman Handle - 1970s

## General Description

A functional Balinese ritual temple bell (Genta) cast in solid copper alloy (bronze). The handle is sculpted into the form of the Hindu monkey deity Hanuman, depicted in a protective stance wearing a traditional tiered royal crown (Gelung). His elongated tail extends upwards from his back to create a functional loop handle.

## Craftsmanship & Technical Details

The bell is manufactured using traditional lost-wax casting (cire perdue), resulting in a unique, raw texture inside the dome. The exterior base features low-relief traditional geometric/floral detailing along the bottom rim.
Mechanically, the bell is complete and in excellent working order. It retains its original, heavy bronze teardrop clapper suspended from an integrated internal loop. Due to its high-tin bronze content, the bell produces a clear, very bright, and loud sustained musical chime when rung.

## Provenance & History

Acquired by the current owner's family directly in Bali, Indonesia, during the 1970s. It has been preserved in a private collection for over 50 years.

## Condition Report

• Overall Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Complete and structurally sound.
• Patina: Features an honest, uncleaned dark oxidation patina consistent with its 50-year age. Small traces of minor oxidation/rust are present on the iron connector ring holding the clapper.
• Wear: Light rubbing on the exposed, sharp bottom edge reveals the bright, golden-coppery bronze color of the underlying metal alloy.

## Specifications

• Object: Ritual Hand Bell (Genta)
• Iconography: Hanuman (Monkey Deity)
• Region of Origin: Bali, Indonesia
• Period: Late 20th Century (Circa 1970s)
• Material: Bronze / Copper Alloy
• Dimensions: Height: 13 cm | Base Diameter: Approx. 7.5 cm
• Weight: 400 grams