The Dokra Metal Work is a traditional art form that was prevalent in India during medieval times. Even today, the art form is used by some communities in West Bengal, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh. This art form is being revived by some of the local artisans and is being sold as niche products for home decor and as gift articles.
Once upon a time the Dokra metal work products were used in day to day lives to meet the daily requirement of certain tribes of India. Nowadays, it is more popular as an ancient art form and can be seen in local villages especially the district of Bankura in West Bengal, India.
The state of this art form is bordering on extinction and it is stores like ours that are the source of income for these artisans. Popularising this art form in Urban India is the primary goal of our company so that this art form can be sustained forever.
The tourist industry can also benefit if this art form becomes popular in different parts of the world. This would mean the artisans will be able to survive the harsh times and continue to supply different articles made from non-ferrous metal and wax (the main components of Dokra articles).
The Dokra metal work is appealing and attractive to the eyes and can adorn any part of your home and provide a particular ethnic feel to the ambience of your home.
Indian Handicrafts have been popular in India as well as abroad for ages and Dokra Metal Work articles can be found in some exclusive online stores, Amazon, Ebay & Flipkart.
The traditional themes of these cast metal sculptures include images of Hindu Or 'tribal' gods and goddesses, bowls, figures of people or deities riding elephants, musicians, horse and rider figures, elephants, cattle, and other figures of people, animals, and birds. Beautifully adapted to the conditions of the original nomadic lifestyle, the Dokhra technology is all about our ancient art and culture. Dokra products involve a cumbersome process of designing and metal casting. Finally finishing touches are given that requires immense creativity and attention to detail.
In recent times, Dokra has gone through modifications in their production process through the incorporation of modern technology. Assistance from the government in setting up workshops has led to the creation of generation of artisans. Dokra (also spelt Dhokra) structure of metal casting is precisely known as ‘cire perdue’ or lost-wax casting procedure. Dokra is the art of metal crafts amongst some aboriginal tribes of eastern India. The tribes were initially nomadic in nature. This nomadic group of people finally settled in the different tribal parts of Indian provinces like Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Dokra artisans face several problems in marketing. In view of shortage of financial resources, advertising publicity cannot be undertaken by artisans. Absence of systematic marketing network has been a discouraging factor in this sector. Hence, the government plays a vital role in solving the marketing problems faced by the artisans. Voluntary associations also need to put sincere effort for the better working condition of the Dokra artisans. Care should be taken to ensure that with innovation, originality of the craft is truly maintained. The artisans could be taught to innovate and improvise, use better tools and better raw materials.
We are positive that Dokhra art form will become more and popular over the years trough the initiatives of the government, volunteers and online stores like ours.
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