Dhokra metal craft is a renowned art form from Chhattisgarh, the state of Bastar in the Middle East of India, and its rich tradition of craftsmanship and culture has always attracted art lovers around the world.
Folk figures used to create artifacts make these handicrafts more valuable. As such, these pieces are proudly displayed in every home and office. Dhokra artists take great care in crafting each piece to maintain its authenticity. The process involves hand-casting brass and bronze metal using a wax finish technique.
The hidden beauty of this art of making metal crafts using the wax casting technique is that it is eco-friendly! Most pieces are made from waste and scrap metal.
Dhokra artifacts, which have been found from relics of the Mohenjo-Daro and Harappan civilizations, testify to their historical and traditional importance as an art form.
Natural raw materials are used in the production of Dhokra pieces. Renowned Dhokra artist Ragender Bagel explains that the basic shape is composed of fine sand and clay. Goat and cow manure or husks are added and coated with pure jungle beeswax.
Then take a thread of wax and wrap it around the clay mold until it evenly covers the entire surface. It is then cooked in the oven while the wax is drained through the channels.
The wax burns in the kiln, leaving free channels for the metal to flow. A molten metal is poured into a mold. The mold is removed, and the metal is sprayed with water to cool once it has melted. Cast figures can be removed by breaking them.
Themes and inspiration
This art is unique not only in its process and complexity but also in that no two Dhokra artworks are the same. All sculptures are finely crafted unlike any other. Inspiration and themes usually come from mythology, nature, and everyday traditions and rituals.
Tribal heritage
Made with god and goddess motifs, floral shapes, and rustic designs, his Dhokra jewelry is a creative and contemporary expression of ancient techniques. Today, Dhokra artists experiment with designs to give them a stylish and international look. Women can combine both ethnic and international styles.
Each piece is unique
Dhokra her art is also practiced by artists from Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and West Bengal. No one can make the same Dhokra as each object is exclusive as each craftsman in each province makes it in their own way. Skinny hands, legs, skinny bodies - look closer, and you'll see that this tribal art isn't perfect.
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