Description

Bells are one of a very small number of artefacts that have been in virtually
continuous production for over 4000 years. The earliest known examples were
made in China before 2000 BC, and they were familiar everyday objects to the
ancient Indians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. They have served a number of
purposes, from ritual, magical and religious, to musical, signalling and warning.
Apart from their functional role, bells have served as decorative devices throughout
the ages, and continue to be popular as harness embellishments to the present day.