Description of Goods
Dhokra Crafts are made by casting bell metal (brass and bronze) manually through the vanishing wax technique. Bee Wax is used to create intricate designs because of its unique softness and malleability. It can be drawn out in wires of required diameters and can be molded into the desired shapes. The Dhokra Metal Craft has its very foundation laid in the religious beliefs and practices of the people.
Dhokra Art is a major attraction of Bastar. They are prepared by the Ghadawa community and hence it is also known as Ghadawa art. The Ghadawas are small artisan groups that produce brass or bell metal objects. The name Ghadwa is derived from the world ‘Ghalna”, which means to melt and as these people prepare the craft items by melting the metal using a lost-wax technique, so they are given the name ‘Ghadwa’.
‘Ghadwa’ means the act of shaping and creating, and it is probably this that gives the casters of objects, mainly brass and copper their name. The various stories related to the origin of the name ‘Ghadwa’ only indicate that it was for the very first time awarded by a contemporary king to craftsmen as a token of appreciation. In some regions, the craftsmen are also called ‘Ghasia’, ‘Khaser’, ‘Mangan’ and ‘Vishwakarma”.
Proof of Origin
A craft of Harappa & Mohenjodaro Civilizations. The Famous unearthed Dancing Girl 4500 years ago sheds evidence of the Bastar Dhokra craft, the Bell metal casting using the Bee wax technique.
PROCESS
The entire process can be divided into five major parts as follows:
- Modeling, Molding, Dewaxing, Casting & Finishing
The uniqueness of the Craft
The metal images of Bastar are peerless not only for the technique of casting but also for their earthbound expression of life and celebration. The abundance of nature and folk, cultural traditions together form the unique inherent basic fabric of the tribal heritage of Bastar. Folk art, craft, and nature constitute the foundation of the tribal society of Bastar.
GI Tagged offers a huge collection of Bastar Dhokra Handicraft Online. You can feel its elegance and sophistication in various products like Bastar Dhokra Candle Stand, Card Holder, Pen Stand, Showpieces, Pendants, etc.
Visit our showroom if you are looking for a Dhokra Handicraft in Bangalore.