What is Dhokra art, and how did it originate?
History of Dhokra Art
India is famous for its rich and varied cultural
heritage. The traditions are passed from generation to generation and are
expressed in the form of different arts. These arts are popularly called folk
art and are indigenous to every region. The famous folk arts which deserve
mention are Tanjore art, Nirmal paintings, and Dhokra art. Through this
article, we have shed light on the history of Dhokra art.
What is Dhokra art, and how did it originate?
Dhokra art is India’s pre-historic art form that
hogged the limelight after an artefact of the dancing girl was excavated from
the Mohen jo daro and Harrapan civilization. Archaeologists believe that this
artefact was more than 4000 years old. The tribal art form was once done by the
metalsmiths of the Dhokra Damar tribe, who were nomads and moved to different
places. They spread their artwork to West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Kerala,
Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and North India. Though these tribes have a common
ancestral background, the regions differ, which is reflected in the artwork.
This artwork has a strong presence in Odisha and
is generally seen in Gatiguda and Jhigdi in the Rayagada district, Kankeri in
the Kalahandi district, and Kuilanna and Mayurbhanj district. The artwork
belongs to the Sithulia sub-caste.
How is the artwork made?
The tribal make this folk art using ancient
techniques and methods that they have learned from their ancestors. The process
starts with extracting metal from minerals. The technique is based on
annealing, where the metal undergoes high temperature that changes physical and
chemical properties of a metal to increase its ductility and reduce the
hardness to make it more workable. It is then pre-filled in the moulds, where
the cooling process of the metal begins. The mould preparation is not an easy
feat as it may appear.
Though the technique has undergone several
changes after the medieval era, the process remains the same. There are two
ways to make the cast-hollow cast, which is traditional, and solid casting,
which is a modern interpretation. While the former artwork is used in a central
and eastern country, the latter is used in the southern parts like Telangana.
Steps of making this artwork
The process starts with powdering and sieving
the black mud or kali mitti, which is then used to create the core clay model,
it is then mixed with rice paddy or husk to create a dough. It works as a
binding agent and helps to create the final cast image. Once it is done, it is
exposed to the sun for drying.
In the next step, the bee wax is blended with
gum and nut oil and added to the mold. When the mold is pressed on the wax, the
mixture becomes long stands or spirals. These stands are used as coils and give
them a distinct feature. After that, the wax is covered with red clay and rice
paddy husk as an outer covering.
The brass scrap is kept inside the mold and
heated at a high temperature. During this, the metal and wax melts and flows
through multiple outlets. After that, it is again kept in the sun; once it is
done, metal takes the form of the frame, and after that final touching is done.
Characteristics or features of Dhokra art
● It was made of low-wax casting material, and
used to create figurines of animals, dancing girls, etc.
● The art is simple yet mystic.
● It is appealing.
You can add this art to your home by buying our dhokra wall hangings or handcrafted wall décor by VarEesha. We have curated these wall décor items masterfully, and it reflects Indian tradition to their best. You can visit our website or browse our collection to know more.
Here are some of our Dhokra
products
DhokraWork Wooden Towel Holder : It gives
a classy look to your decor. We bring forward a collection of dining and décor
accessories in wood and brass that are inspired by this ancient art form- Tales
of Dhokra. You can easily maintain and
clean this wooden holder.
Sheesham
Wood Dhokra Work Desk Organiser / Pen Stand : We bring a range of desk organisers and holders
that will not only bring the order required to your desk but also add style to
your décor. It has a partition dividing the box into two different sized
portions to keep your pens and small stationery items.
Upahaar Hand- Made Dhokra Wall Hanging Gift Box : Keeping festive season in mind, We have brought a range of individually curated festive gift boxes. Not only for festivals these gift boxes are ideal for housewarming too. It contains a hand painted wooden wall hanging along with two hand painted terracotta tea light holders/ Diyas to bring the pious feeling of eradication of dark shadows and evil.
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