Dhokra is the term used for the Eastern Indian techniques of bronze working, using ‘Lost Wax’ casting as well as ‘Hollow Casting” to produce bronze items.
It originated in India over 4000 years ago in the India Valley culture. The name ‘Dhokra’ is taken from the Dhokra Damar tribes of Eastern India (Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha), where the metal casting tradition was a part of their culture.
‘Lost Wax’ refers to the use of bee’s wax to make the intended form, which is then encased in clay; when molten metal is poured in, the wax is ‘lost’ and the bronze takes its place.
‘Hollow Casting’ refers to the usage of a clay core to make the bulk of the form, with wax used on the outside to define the intended bronze work; when molten metal is poured in, the wax is replaced, often with the clay core still evident inside.
