DOKRA – A HISTORICAL SLICE OF TRIBAL CRAFT
A metal art dating back to over 4000 years, is beautifully created by the Damar tribe via an age-old lost wax metal casting technique!
The Bell Metal journey and its interesting origins
The dokra craft will ‘ring a bell’ with all archeological enthusiasts! And that is because of the famous Mohenjodaro figurine. The famed Mohenjodaro dancing girl artefact, discovered during the Mohenjodaro and Harappan valley excavations, was found to be made, using this lost wax technique.Traces of this method of metal casting, has been found in China, Central America, Nigeria and other places across the world. These beautiful Dokra pieces make amazing home decor, gorgeous jewelry, and great gifting options. They are quite popular not only in India but also in the international market.
The Damar tribes who are the traditional metalsmiths from West Bengal and Orissa, are known to be the original creators of this metal art form. Today, Dhokra art is found in Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. This is because of the wandering nature of the tribe that settled in different parts of the country and adopted local nuances, creating subtle differences that resulted in different ‘gharanas’ or styles of the Dokra craft.
How is Dokra created?
Using the traditional method of hollow wax casting, Dokra artisans begin the process with a clay core to create a mould. Made from mud and rice hay, the mould roughly represents the final product shape. A layer consisting of beeswax, resin and nut oil is produced. Sometimes road tar is also added to this mix. This mixture is then drawn into threads of roughly 1mm in thickness. Using it to coil around the mould, they cover it completely. The wax is then shaped and moulded as per the final product design.
Post this, an additional layer, made up of cow dung and river soil, is used to cover this design mould. The layer takes the inverted shape of wax that’s on the inside, and becomes a mould for the metal to be poured.
Drain ducts for the melting wax to drain out during the clay cooking process are created. Liquid metal derived from brass scraps replaces the melted wax, through the process of it being poured into the mould. This results in the liquid metal replacing and forming into the original shape of the melted wax.
Once the liquid metal hardens between the inner surface and the core of the mould, the outer clay is chipped off. The hardened metal figure thus revealed, is then polished and finished. This is done by washing or rubbing it with lime or certain vegetable juices.
The changing face of Dokra today
From traditional curios, Dokra art has evolved into home utility items such as towel racks, door handles, coasters, book holders, lamps, and much more.
Dokra jewelry is a trending accessory because of their intricate design and the style statement it creates on wearing it.
The craftsmen have gained international recognition in recent times. A few dhokra artisans have participated in international exhibitions in London and Japan.
The Government through TARA (Technological Assistance to Rural Artisans) has been nurturing artisan families from Bikna and Bardaman in West Bengal. They have been introduced to the concept of measurements, contemporary designs and motifs with the help of various design interventions and government led exhibitions.
Media exposure through interesting articles in the national and international press can go a long way in sustaining and increasing the attention of designers and international clientele to this age-old beautiful craft.
You can help sustain and promote this craft too!
The next time you want to buy a gift for a dear friend or relative, or indulge in some ornamental jewelry for yourself, or just enhance your home space, do your bit for the artisans by buying a gorgeous Dokra piece of art.