Dokra is one of West Bengal’s best-kept secrets. It is one of the most unique and exciting art forms that is not old, but ancient. It dates back to 3500 years ago. It is one of the finest Bengal handicrafts.
The Dokra art form belongs to the Dokra tribe and refers to the art of making metal brassware products using the lost wax process of metal casting.
The traditional metalsmiths of West Bengal are the Dokra Damar tribe. The tribe extends from Jharkhand, Odisha to West Bengal, and is now spread in the Northern and Southern parts of India. They are well-known for their work and create statuettes, jewellery, and artefacts that are created in a unique manner which we will learn about. These days Dokra artisans create figurines, models of gods and goddesses, birds, animals, and even jewellery.
Most readers must have read about The Dancing Girl figurine from the Mohenjadaro period. This little figure is one of the earliest forms of the lost wax process. It is beheld by the world as one of the finest and rarest pieces of the lost wax form, which this particular tribe preserves to this day.
Hence, this beautiful piece of Bengal handicrafts was well-known in the ancient world and is still popular today.
Firstly, a clay figure is made with fine detailing and intricate artwork to depict the final model. This is known as the clay core. This clay core is the shape of the final image. Next, the clay core is covered with pure beeswax resin. The wax is then carved with the finer details of the end product.
Once this is done, more layers of clay are packed onto the wax which forms a mould for the metal to be poured inside.
There are a few drainage holes in the clay mould from where the wax drains out when metal is poured in, which melts the wax completely and takes the shape of the mould.
The molten brass then cools and solidifies into the final product. The outer clay layer is removed and the final product stands unpolished and raw. No external chemical polish is applied to the figurine.
Dokra figurines have a curious rustic, raw and unpolished look. They are among the most intricate of West Bengal’s art forms. These figurines are extremely exquisite, to buy them you can check out this link https://www.thebengalstore.com/crafts/dokra.
For 3500 years, this tradition has been in place. It is marvellous that it continues to this day in exactly the same form as since its beginning. The beauty and sheer ingenious way in which the wax melts while leaving behind the metal figure is a testament to the genius of Bengal handicrafts.
The work of the artisans is truly commendable. We owe it to the Dokra Damar tribe for preserving this way of life for generations and for generations to come.
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