History of Dhokra Art

Nestled Into Small Tribes

Dhokra Art

The livelihoods of tribes, like Gonds, Sithulias, Jharas, and Ghadwas, depend on the intricate and time-intensive art of Dhokra sculptures.

  • 1. Madhya Pradesh
  • 2. Chhattisgarh
  • 3. Odisha
  • 4. West Bengal
  • 5. Andhra Pradesh
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The Lost Wax Technique

How Dhokra Art Comes To Life

Sculpted by Tradition, Fired by Passion, Cast for Eternity!

Crafting The Base: Black mud and rice husk form the statue's base, ensuring a sturdy foundation for the detailed artwork.
Smoothing The Model: Riverbed soil is carefully applied to smooth out imperfections before it basks in the sun for 2 days.
Wax String Formation: Molten beeswax is filtered, cooled down, and pressed into meter-long strings.

Making The Statue Sticky: Green bean leaves are rubbed on the statue's surface, allowing delicate beeswax strings to stick.
Metal Casting: The clay statue is fired at 1300 ℃ for 2 hours, where the wax melts, and molten metal is poured into the mould

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Dhokra Art Collection

Our Bestselling Dhokra Art Pieces

Discover our most-loved Dhokra art decor items, handcrafted by skilled artisans using ancient techniques. Elevate your space with heritage, tradition, and exquisite metal artistry. Shop now!

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Honouring True Artisans

Masters Behind The Metal Artistry

In quiet huts, skilled hands shape tradition, crafting Dhokra art for weeks. Hidden from the spotlight, they keep heritage alive, delivering timeless masterpieces to you.

The Origin Story

Journey Through Thicks & Thins

Tales Of The Past

Dhokra handcrafted products derive their name from the Dhokra Damar tribes of West Bengal and Odisha. This traditional metal casting art form has been practised for over 4,000 years, tracing its roots back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Historically, Dhokra artists travelled from village to village, selling their exquisite artefacts of Hindu deities in exchange for food.

Scenario Of The Present

This ancient lost-wax technique still remains vital to tribes like the Gonds and Jharas. Despite facing challenges such as rising material costs and competition from mass production, its unique craftsmanship finds new markets in home decor and jewellery. This ancient art form thrives, preserving cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary tastes and trends.

“Dhokra is an ancient lost-wax technique! Since the mould is broken after heating, no two artefacts are ever the same—the real beauty of purely handcrafted arts of India”

Keeping The Art Alive

The Undying Fire Of Tribes

Different tribes, including the Dhokra Damar of West Bengal, Gonds Of Betul, Madhya Pradesh and the Gadaba of Odisha, are keeping the Dhokra art alive despite challenges like rising material costs. Their craftsmanship adds unique cultural narratives to each piece. Today, Dhokra art captivates new audiences through home decor, jewellery, and functional art, blending tradition with contemporary design. This battle of survival preserves their heritage and empowers these communities economically.

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    Dhokra Damar of West Bengal

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    Jharas Of Ektaal, Chhattisgarh

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    Sithulias Of Dhenkanal, Odisha

Art Forged In Time

Preserving The Legacy of Dhokra

Handcrafted by heritage and cast in the eternal fire of perfection—our Dhokra artefacts embody timeless luxury, culture, and artistry. Own a masterpiece infused with centuries of craftsmanship.

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Discover the perfection of our latest Dhokra art collection, where tradition meets innovation. Each piece, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, showcases intricate designs that embody cultural heritage. Elevate your decor with these timeless treasures and experience the exquisite craftsmanship that tells a story of artistry.

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The Secrets Of Dhokra Art

Frequently Asked Questions

Behind every Dhokra piece is a story—get answers to all your questions in our FAQ section!

What materials are primarily used in crafting Dhokra art pieces?

Our Dhokra art pieces are crafted using black mud, rice husk, beeswax, green bean leaves, and metals like brass, ensuring authenticity, uniqueness and sustainability in every creation.

How long does it take to create a Dhokra artefact from start to finish?

Each Dhokra artefact requires nearly a week for the artist to complete, showcasing the dedication and craftsmanship of our artisans in every intricate detail.

What makes Dhokra art unique compared to other art forms?

Dhokra art employs the ancient lost-wax technique, ensuring that no two pieces are identical, making each artefact a unique masterpiece reflecting rich cultural heritage.

How do different tribes contribute to the Dhokra art tradition?

Tribes like the Gonds and Ghadwas infuse their cultural narratives into Dhokra art, preserving traditional techniques while innovating designs that resonate with contemporary audiences.

Where can I find authentic Dhokra art for home decor or gifts?

Explore our extensive collection of handcrafted Dhokra art pieces available online, perfect for home decor or unique gifts that celebrate Indian craftsmanship and heritage.