Introduction
Every state of India has its own culture and history, which can be seen in the type of food, clothes, lifestyle, and artwork prevalent in daily life. One such state whose art has gained popularity in the modern home decor segment is Chattisgarh.
The Dhokra Damar tribe of Chattisgarh used this ancient “lost wax technique” to create stunning and unique sculptures. This art is known as Dhokra Art. Let's take a look at how the Dhokra metal craft originated from the creative minds of the tribal people and became a celebrated statue-making art in India.
Dokra Metal Craft - Where It All Started
The Dhokra Art is a 4000-year-old craft that uses the “lost wax technique” to make the statues. It means that only one statue can be made with a single mould, as the mould needs to be broken to reveal the intricate details of the statue. So every time you buy dhokra art, it’ll be unique.
1. Famous Historical Artefacts
We can find the origins of Dhokra Art dating back to the Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro civilisations. The dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro is a very well-known statue of Dhokra Art amongst art enthusiasts.
2. How The Art Came To Life
The majority of cultures originated from the necessities of daily life, and the same was the case with Dhokra art. The legend is that tribal people who practiced this craft used to travel from one town to another, selling Hindu gods and animal figurines in exchange for food.
3. Regions that practice Dhokra Art
In the present day scenario, Dhokra art is practiced in deserted villages by select tribes in states like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and certain parts of West Bengal.
The Items Used In Dhokra Art
Let us take a look at what all materials and tools are used by the traditional Dhokra craftsmen to make awe-inspiring statues using this lost wax technique.
1. Rice Husk & Soil Mix
The base of the statue is made using rice husk and black soil as it minimises the chances of cracks. Other types of soil, like riverbed and anthill soil, are also used to give a smooth finish to the Dhokra statue before wax strings are wrapped around the soil base.
2. Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees that they use to make their honeycomb cells. It's a versatile substance, can be easily moulded and available to the locals, as they live near forests.
3. Metals - Brass
Nowadays, many scrap metals are used by the craftsmen to make Dhokra art statues, but the primary metal used in authentic Dhokra art statues is brass. Its golden appearance and bright shine bring out the detail of the intricate patterns beautifully.
4. Green Bean Leaves
Green bean leaves are used to rub the surface of the mud base of the statue for two purposes – one is to clean the dust and sand particles from the surface of the sand model. Second one is that the green bean leaves grease up the overall surface of the model.
5. Other Tools & Machinery
Although in the old times, everything was done by hand, the modern era has introduced its own elements in the process of making Dhokra art. Artisans use tools like hammer, chisel, presses, tongs, and polishing machines to make statues.
Process Of Making Artefacts In Dhokra Art
Now that we have understood all the materials used in the Dhokra Art making process, let us take a look at how the tribal craftsmen use these materials to bring these immaculate statues to life.
1. Preparing The Clay
- The first step is to mix rice husk with black soil to make the clay. A basic figure or statue is prepared with this clay and is left to dry in the sun for 2 days.
- After the base statue dries, a layer of wet riverbed soil is applied to smooth out rough edges and uneven surface.
2. Refining The Beeswax & Making Strings
- Blocks of dried beeswax are broken into small pellets and heated in a bowl over a fire.
- Then the liquid wax is filtered using a linen into a cold water tub. This cools down the wax into a solid shape.
- After this, the large piece of wax is heated on a mild fire to give it a cylindrical shape so that it can be put into a press and metre-long strings of beeswax can be made using pressure.
3. Giving A Final Shape To The Model
- Once strings of beeswax are ready, the base model of clay is buffed with a file and then green bean leaves are rubbed all over the model.
- Slowly, the wax strings are wrapped around the model, and the artisan continues to improvise on the design until he completes the statue.
4. Making A Hollow Cast
Another layer of soil is applied on the wax statue. This step is a crucial part of the hollow casting technique as all the wax will melt away when the soil model is kept in the fire, and then liquid metal will be poured into the cavity to bring out the statue.
5. Firing The Clay & Beeswax Model
- Two holes are made at the base for the wax to escape from the soil mould, and a funnel made using ant-hill soil is attached to the statue from which liquid metal will be poured in.
- Then the soil model sits in the fire for two hours at a temperature around 1100-1300 ° C until all of the wax melts away.
6. Pouring Liquid Brass Into The Cavity
Using long metal tongs, the soil model, now hardened and having a cavity, is taken out from the fire and liquid brass is poured into the model through the funnel. After that, it is left to cool down.
7. Polishing & Buffing
Once the model cools down, the hardened clay and soil is hammered away and a beautifully finished god brass statue is ready to be polished and buffed to its pristine form.
Dhokra Art Products You Can Buy
There are numerous dhokra art products available in the market, which you can purchase online. We will give you a list of the best Dhokra art products that you can buy from our online handicraft store.
1. God Idols
The most usual dhokra items are of Hindu gods and goddesses like Lord Ganesh, which are still in great demand due to the high belief of people in these deities.
2. Utility Products
You can buy pen stands and candle holders that are an aesthetic decor item that double up as a utility item for your home.
2. Animal Figurines
Animals like horses, deer, elephants, cows, fishes, camels and many more are a great decor piece for those who love nature and want to add a piece of it to their home decor theme.
4. Human Figurines
You can also purchase human figurines and adorn your table and shelves with them as these decor items portray the earlier studies of human anatomy, which looks amusing for the onlookers.
Buy Dhokra Metal Craft Online At Ethnic India Handicrafts
If you are looking to buy Dhokra art online, then our Dhokra Art collection has something for you. From animal and human figurines to god idols and utility items like pen stands and candle holders, our Dhokra Art decor items will surely add charm to your home.
Preserving this ancient art has become very challenging but we strive to provide you with premium quality Dhokra art products. We believe that the true essence of India is etched in its culture and ancient art forms that once originated from necessities must be preserved today. Shop premium quality handicraft products from our website today and bring home a piece of India’s rich art heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Dhokra art unique compared to other metal crafts in India?
Dhokra art is unique due to its 4000-year-old lost wax technique, ensuring each handcrafted statue is one-of-a-kind with intricate detailing and tribal aesthetics.
Which Indian states are known for practising traditional Dhokra metal craft?
Dhokra art is mainly practised by tribal artisans in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal, where the craft has been passed down generations.
What metals and materials are commonly used in Dhokra art production?
Authentic Dhokra art primarily uses brass, along with beeswax, rice husk, black soil, and green bean leaves for moulding and casting the statues.
How does the lost wax technique contribute to Dhokra art’s craftsmanship?
The lost wax technique requires breaking the mould after casting, ensuring no two Dhokra statues are identical, making each piece a unique work of art.
What types of Dhokra art products are available for purchase today?
Dhokra art offers god idols, animal figurines, human sculptures, and utility items like pen stands and candle holders, blending heritage with modern decor.
