In the 16th century, the craft of carving hunting tools underwent a transformation. It evolved into the intricate art of ivory and bone carving. These practices have thrived in Lucknow and Barabanki for centuries, owing to royal patronage, like from the Nawabs of Awadh. After the international ban on ivory, craftsmen began working with camel bones.

Ivory and bone were historically used to make furniture, plaques, swords, daggers, carriages, figurines, and household items. Traditional designs showcase jaali (lattice work) and bel patti (floral vines). The artisans use various tools for bone work, such as the barma (drill), chausi (chisel), ari (saw), prakar (divider), and an assortment of files. The entire carving was traditionally done by hand, and intricate designs were carved using needle files.

The finesse and precision are clear in elaborate hunting scenes, animal processions, and boxes with complex detailing. In recent years, bone jewellery has become popular. They use natural and dyed camel bone.

Jalaluddin Akhtar, a National Award-winning bone-carving artisan and second-generation practitioner, has dedicated his life to the craft. Akhtar and his son Aqeel, create jewellery and decorative items, lamps, and knives, incorporating modern geometrical patterns in traditional designs.

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