Dokra Craft - Dhokra Art of Bengal Unveiled For You

Dokra craft is tribal in origin - this is perhapsartists of Bastar can be distinguished by their use
something that we are already extremely familiarof coiled thread technique, not seen in any other
with. Dokra craft is supposed to be cast in metalDokra settlement or Dokra figurines. The two
using the lost wax technique or cire perdue as it isplaces famed for being Dokra manufacturing units
popularly known in France. However there isare Ushegaon and Chittalbori in Adilabad district of
something individualistic about Dokra craft.Andhra Pradesh. The Dokra figurines of this region
Although Dokra figures and figurines are cast onare characterized by uniqueness and individuality.
metals like brass, bell metal etc, there is a hiddenThis individualistic touch is due to the hand crafted
layer of clay core concealed within the mold. Thedexterity and skill that these Dokra artifacts
most unique characteristic of Dokra craft is thatboast of. However, although metal casting is used
you will never find two similar pieces of Dhokrain Dokra craft, they are different from other
art for each and every single piece is unique.types of metal craft. Although it is mostly brass
You will find Dokra/Dhokra castings in religiousscrap and bell metal that are used to manufacture
figures, tribal folklore symbols, religious figures andDokra craft, there remains a hollow core inside
figurines, chains, lamps, lamp holders, religiousthe metal casting consisting of a clay core.
animals etc.It is a matter of grave concern that in spite of
Dhokra metal craft which basically has a tribalbeing an art form that involves high skill labor and
origin is abundantly found in the tribal pockets ofout of the world creativity and in spite of its huge
Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Vindhya hillsdemand in international markets and among
and in Bengal. In Bengal, you will find the Dokradiscerning art lovers across the globe, the
kamars or metal smiths settled in the tribal beltsgovernment in India isn't doing much to encourage
of Midnapore, Bankura, Birbhum, Purulia andor patronize this slowly dying Dokra craft. But a
Burdwan.strong demand in foreign shores has resulted in a
In Chhattisgarh, the Dokra artisans are settled innew found resurgence and resurrection of Dokra
the districts of Bastar and Raigarh. The Dokracraft in Bengal.