Dokra Craft
“Lost-wax bronze of the tribal heartland.”
The Story
What is Dokra?Dokra is a non-ferrous metal casting art, usually working with copper alloys like brass, bronze, or bell metal. The craft takes its name from the traditional metalsmiths-the Dhokra Damar tribes-who originally hailed from the central and eastern regions of India. You said: Dokra CraftDokra (or Dhokra) is an ancient, 4,500-year-old Indian metal casting craft that uses the "lost-wax" technique to create intricate brass and bronze sculptures. Originating from the Indus Valley Civilization, this raw, rustic art form is celebrated for its unique folk motifs, textured designs, and enduring handmade quality.
The Technique
Dokra is one of India's oldest metal casting traditions, practiced for over 4,000 years using the ancient Lost Wax Casting Technique. Every Dokra piece is handmade, making each creation unique and impossible to replicate exactly. 1. Core Making Artisans first create a rough core using clay mixed with rice husk, sand, and natural materials. This core forms the basic shape of the final product. 2. Wax Modeling A layer of beeswax or natural wax is applied over the clay core. Using thin wax threads and strips, artisans create intricate patterns, textures, and decorative motifs by hand. 3. Outer Clay Mould The wax model is covered with multiple layers of fine clay, leaving small channels for metal pouring and wax drainage. The mould is then dried naturally. 4. Wax Removal (Lost Wax Process) The dried mould is heated in a furnace. The wax melts and flows out through the channels, leaving a hollow cavity between the core and outer mould. 5. Metal Casting Molten brass or non-ferrous metal is poured into the hollow cavity created by the melted wax. The metal takes the exact shape of the wax design. 6. Cooling & Breaking the Mould After cooling, the clay mould is carefully broken by hand to reveal the metal artifact. Since the mould is destroyed during the process, every Dokra piece is unique. 7. Finishing & Polishing Artisans clean, file, polish, and refine the surface. Additional detailing and finishing are done to enhance the beauty of the final product. Materials Used Beeswax Natural Clay Rice Husk Brass Bell Metal Natural Resins Charcoal & Furnace Fuel Common Dokra Products Tribal Figurines Animal Sculptures Home Décor Lamps & Candle Holders Jewellery Wall Art Pen Stands & Corporate Gifts Key Features ✔ 100% Handmade ✔ Ancient Lost Wax Casting Technique ✔ Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Process ✔ No Two Pieces Are Exactly Alike ✔ Preserves Tribal Heritage & Craftsmanship
Traditional Motifs
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