Dhokra Art: Forty-Five Centuries Old Practice
HISTORY
Dhokra or Dokra art is a non-ferrous metal craft that uses the ‘cire perdue’ or the lost wax technique. The term ‘Dhokra’ refers to the beautiful artefacts that are shaped and decorated brassware products. Initially, this term was applied to the nomadic craftsmen that were spread across several states of India such as West Bengal, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala. The tribal group or the Dhokra metalsmiths are known for their strength and plethora of designs that they derive from Indian folk culture.
Nandi -The Bull
They often worked under the tutelage of masters in trade guilds. There are several ancient texts such as Manasollasa (12th century), Silparatna (16th century) that mention the hollow and solid wax casting techniques. The 20th century witnessed a global market for these artefacts.
Head Bust
PROCESS
The lost-wax technique involves two process of wax casting: solid casting and hollow casting. The artisan creates a desired model or design in clay, the beautiful and intricate design leaves its imprints on the wax that is poured in the negative form of the clay model. The wax is made up of pure bee’s wax, resin and nut oil.
As the wax takes a solid form, a fine clay paste is applied over the wax replica that is dried in the shade. Then a thicker layer of clay is applied to the model, with holes on top so that molten metal could be poured.
The clay model is sun-dried and later fired in a traditional kiln. Due to the heat, the wax melts and leaves from the mould through the holes. The final stage involves pouring in molten brass metal through the same holes. After cooling, the cast is removed for final polishing.The clay model is sun-dried and later fired in a traditional kiln. Due to the heat, the wax melts and leaves from the mould through the holes. The final stage involves pouring in molten brass metal through the same holes. After cooling, the cast is removed for final polishing.
Dhokra sculpture figurines
Dhokra Planter
Ganesha depicted riding an elephant
In India, this technique can be traced back to 4,500 years. Few historians date it back to the Mohenjodaro city of the Indus Valley civilization. Its references can also be found in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and several regions of South east Asia. In ancient India, the artist was the craftsman, wherein the designs, its fabrication was not separate.
Nandi Bull and Lion
Among the popular themes are beautiful images of Lord Krisna, goddess Durga, Lord Ganesha, animal figurines such as elephant, deer, peacock, intricate jewellery designs, iconic tree of life with had as many as hundred lamps at the end of its branches. It is interesting to note that because of the religious significance of metal icons, the craft enjoyed a prominent position within the Hindu society. As many of the metal icons were worshipped in Hindu temples. As a result, this ancient craft of cire perdue was part of many families of hereditary craftsmen.
Man seated on a peacock
Tribal men depicted holding a pen stand
Dhokra Lady Dhokra Tribal Art of Odisha
CONTEMPORARY TIMES
This technique was reinvented in the 1940’s. In the global market the demand for the Dhokra art has risen exponentially as a result the craftsmen have adopted contemporary motifs such as popular Indian images both religious as well as everyday scenes, utilitarian bowls, lamp caskets, peacocks, owls, temple deities, musicians, dancers are among the popular motifs.
Thank you for reading,
Aditi Kumar & Cluster Crafts Journal