Dokra Craft

History & Origin:
 

Dokra is an ancient metal casting craft that dates back over 4,000 years, originating in the Indus Valley Civilization. The name Dokra comes from the Dhokra Damar tribe, traditional metalsmiths primarily from West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. The craft is renowned for its lost-wax casting technique, one of the earliest known metal casting methods. Over the centuries, artisans have migrated, expanding the craft’s presence to Jharkhand, southern, and western India.
 

Traditionally, Dokra artisans create detailed figurines, ornaments, utensils, and utility items, often depicting animals like elephants and horses, as well as human forms and symbolic motifs. The Bankura horse is one of the most iconic symbols of this craft. Due to its intricate craftsmanship, Dokra artifacts are highly valued and exported globally.
 

How It Is Made:
 

Dokra art follows the lost-wax casting process, which is divided into two types:
 

• Hollow Casting (more common in Central and Eastern India)

• Solid Casting (mostly used in South India)
   

The process involves:
 

1. Creating a clay core in the shape of the final design.

2. Coating the core with wax, which is carefully carved to form intricate patterns.

3. Applying layers of clay over the wax, forming a mold.

4. Baking the mold, which melts the wax and leaves a hollow space.

5. Pouring molten metal (usually brass or bronze) into the mold.

6. Breaking the clay mold once the metal cools, revealing the final artifact.

7. Polishing and finishing to enhance the product’s shine and texture​.
    

Materials Used:
 

• Brass or bronze (primary metals)

• Beeswax, tree resin, and natural dyes for the wax mold

• Clay (riverbed clay or a mixture of soil, coal dust, and rice husk) for mold-making
   

Unique Features:
 

• One of the oldest metal crafting techniques is still in use today.

• Each piece is handmade—no two Dokra artifacts are identical.

• Durable and long-lasting, requiring no industrial intervention.

• Fine detailing with tribal and traditional motifs.

• Eco-friendly, using all-natural materials.
   

Products:
 

Dokra artisans create a variety of products, including:
 

• Figurines (Bankura horses, elephants, owls, peacocks, tribal figures)

• Home décor (lamps, utility boxes, wall hangings, key holders)

• Jewellery (pendants, bangles, earrings)

• Utility items (pen stands, cutlery holders, candle stands)

• Customized pieces for corporate gifting.