Context: 

Chhattisgarh’s Ocher Studio is helping to preserve India’s 4,000-year-old craft – Dhokra Shilpkala.

Dhokra Art: Origin, Technique, Artistry and Designs

• The word “Dhokra” is believed to be derived from the Dhokra Damar tribes, the traditional metal smiths of Central India.
• Ancient Craft: It is a tradition that dates back over 4,000 years, hailed as one of the oldest known methods of metal casting.
• Origin of  Dhokra Sculpture: The origins can be traced back to the tribal communities residing in the regions of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha, where it evolved as an integral part of their cultural and religious practices. 
• Technique and Process: It Utilizes the lost-wax technique, or cire perdue, for metal casting. 
• Dhokra Shilpkala’s Unique Process:
  • Creation of a clay core as the base.
  • Beeswax is sculpted over the clay, forming intricate designs.
  • Wax model is encased in clay, then heated, allowing the wax to melt and drain out, leaving behind a cavity in the shape of the original sculpture.
  • Molten metal, typically a combination of brass and bronze, is poured into this cavity, filling the space left by the melted wax. 
  • After cooling and solidifying, the clay mold is broken away, revealing the final metal casting.

• Artistry and Designs: The beauty of Dhokra Shilpkala lies in rustic charm and organic motifs:
  • Inspiration drawn from nature, mythology, and daily life.
  • Motifs include animals, birds, deities, and tribal symbols.
  • Miniature figurines include jewelry, sculptures, and functional objects.
• Challenges: Urbanization and mechanized production techniques endanger the craft.
  • Diminishing skilled artisans and modern materials pose threats.
• Initiatives for Preservation: Efforts are underway to preserve and revive Dhokra Shilpkala at grassroot level by government initiatives, and NGO support. 
  • Further, artisan cooperatives and craft clusters provide resources and support. 

News Source: ET