Chhattisgarh
Dokra Artwork
- 14 Feb 2025
- 3 min read
Why in News?
Recently, the Indian Prime Minister gifted French President Emmanuel Macron a meticulously crafted Dokra artwork of musicians adorned with studded stonework, showcasing India’s rich tribal artistry.
- He also presented France’s First Lady with an exquisite silver hand-engraved table mirror featuring floral and peacock motifs.
Key Points
- About Dokra:
- Dokra, a centuries-old metal-casting craft from Chhattisgarh, uses the lost-wax technique to create intricate brass and copper sculptures.
- The gifted piece portrays traditional musicians in dynamic poses, highlighting the deep cultural significance of music in tribal life.
- Lapis lazuli and coral accents enhance the artwork’s visual appeal, showcasing India’s rich indigenous craftsmanship.
- Silver Table Mirror:
- The silver table mirror features detailed floral and peacock engravings, representing India’s legacy of fine metalwork.
- Its intricate design merges artistic elegance with cultural symbolism, making it a treasured keepsake.
Dokra
- Dokra is a form of ancient bell metal craft practiced by the Ojha metalsmiths living in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana.
- However, the style and also the workmanship of this artisan community varies in different states.
- Dhokra or Dokra, is also known as bell metal craft.
- The name ‘Dhokra’ comes from the Dhokra Damar tribes, who are the traditional metal smiths of West Bengal.
- Their technique of lost wax casting is named after their tribe, hence Dhokra metal casting.
- The Dokra artifacts are made in brass and are unique in that the pieces do not have any joints.
- The method is combining metallurgical skills with wax techniques employing the lost wax technique, a unique form where mould is used only once and broken, making this art the only one-of-its-kind in the world.
- The tribe extends from Jharkhand to Orissa to as far ahead to Chattisgarh, Rajasthan and even Kerala.
- Each figurine takes about a month to make.
- The dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro (Harrapan Civilization) is one of the earliest dhokra artefacts that is now known.
- Dokra Art is still used to craft artefacts, accessories, utensils and jewellery.
