Dhokra

Dhokra craft is the earliest method of non-ferrous metal casting known to humankind. The word “dhokra” literally means “oldest” and comes from the name of a nomadic group that specialized in this art form. Adivasi (literally “original dwellers”) communities in the Indian states of Orissa, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal carry on the traditional Dhokra craft methods, using the “lost wax technique”. This process involves twelve stages of preparation, and threads made of beeswax form the intricate designs. The wax melts when the hot metal is poured inside the clay mold, and the metal sculpture is formed. Consequently, one mould produces just one artifact. The artisans traditionally made religious deities as well as vessels and instruments used in their daily life. Today, they make a wide variety of products, including statues, jewelry, and bowls, to name a few.