18 Jan 2019 Dhokra– Metal Handicraft of India
India excels in various types of handicraft and Dhokra is one of their premium and most cherished one.
Dhokra is a non–ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique. This sort of metal casting has been used in India for over 4,000 years and is still used in the production of beautiful sculptures, figurines, jewelries and wall art. If you remember your old history book and recollect a dancing girl from an old Indian civilization, well, it is then one of the earliest known lost wax artifacts- the dancing girl of Mohenjodaro- one of the first famous Dhokra creation.
Who all make these beautiful handicrafts? Dhokra Damar tribes are the traditional metal-smiths of Bengal. Their technique of lost wax casting is named after their tribe, hence Dhokra metal casting. The tribe extends from Jharkhand to West Bengal and Orissa; members are distant cousins of the Chattisgarh Dhokras. A few hundred years ago the Dhokras of Central and Eastern India travelled south as far as Kerala and north as far as Rajasthan and hence are now found all over India.
There are two main processes of lost wax casting: solid casting and hollow casting. While the former is predominant in the South of India the latter is more common in Central and Eastern India. Solid casting does not use a clay core but instead a solid piece of wax to create the mold. Hollow casting is the more traditional method and uses the clay core. The first task in the lost wax hollow casting process consists of developing a clay core which is roughly the shape of the final cast image. Next, the clay core is covered by a layer of wax composed of pure bee’s wax, resin from the tree Damara orientalis, and nut oil. The wax is then shaped and carved in all its finer details of design and decorations. It is then covered with layers of clay, which takes the negative form of the wax on the inside, thus becoming a mold for the metal that will be poured inside it. Drain ducts are left for the wax, which melts away when the clay is cooked. The wax is then replaced by the molten metal, often using brass scrap as basic raw material. The liquid metal poured in hardens between the core and the inner surface of the mould. The metal fills the mold and takes the same shape as the wax. The outer layer of clay is then chipped off and the metal icon is polished and finished as desired.
Dhokra Metal Art for Wall Decor
The product of Dhokra artisans are in great demand in domestic and foreign markets because of primitive simplicity, enchanting folk motifs and forceful form. So, if you haven’t owned any of the Dhora craft till now, then here is the chance to explore and get yourself a few!
Pushpita is a freelance writer on world handicrafts and lifestyle. Pushpita holds a Masters in English literature and is a rich media professional.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]