Our Mission San Cayetano Bronze Wind Bell blends modern materials with traditional craftsmanship. The stainless-steel body is adorned with irregular patterns of welded bronze, creating a visually striking rustic look and tactile surface. The bottom of the bell body features an irregularly scalloped edge. The mild-steel header component embodies a sense of refined simplicity, sophistication, and spontaneity. Reminiscent of ancient far eastern culture, the header design creates an abstract counterpoint for the bell’s body.
The length of the bell from the header to the bottom of the sail is about 11 inches. The width and depth are approximately 3 inches respectively. A 10-inch hanging chain is also included. Materials include stainless-steel, bronze, and mild steel. Our rustic bells are not cast as in the old days but made from new and repurposed materials. As with the appearance, the tone of the bell is full-bodied and rustic.
A Bit of Spanish Mission History...
Mission San Cayetano de Calabazas, located within the Tumacácori National Historical Park in Arizona, represents a poignant piece of Spanish colonial history in the Pimería Alta region.
Originally established in 1756 as a "visita" dependent on larger missions, Calabazas faced the constant challenges of frontier life, including Apache raids that led to periods of abandonment. The site, now consisting of preserved ruins, reveals the architectural remnants of its former role as a place of religious conversion and settlement. Over time, it also served as a ranch and military outpost, reflecting the shifting dynamics of the area.
Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, Mission San Cayetano de Calabazas stands as a testament to the complex and often turbulent interactions between Spanish colonizers and Native populations.