5 Amazing Facts You Need To Know About Dhokra Art

Dhokra art is the lifeline of thousands of families in India who are trying to keep their world running with this craft which was passed down to them from generations. But today, many artisans are not only learning the craft but also taking it out of their villages to promote the labour that is behind these brilliant crafts.

As sellers and connoisseurs of Dhokra crafts, today we’ll be talking about some amazing facts that will make you go - wow! With an art that old, there are a number of things you will be shocked to know.

FACT 1: The Dhokra Art is more than 4000 years old

Dhokra is named after the ‘Dhokra Damar’ tribes who were nomadic travellers who practised the art initially. However, the earliest findings of Dhokra craftsmanship has been found in the form of the famous ‘dancing girl’ statue that was unearthed in Mohenjodaro. The figurine, which is lauded as a one-of-its kind art form, is considered to be made with the lost-wax technique that is even today used by the modern day Dhokra artists. This creates a direct link between Dhokra and the Harappan civilization, which is considered to be the oldest civilization in India.

FACT 2: The ‘Lost-Wax’ Technique is because the mould has to be melted

The Dhokra handcrafted products you see at stores and websites are the result of a long drawn making process about which you can read here.

During the making process, the artisans have to work with several layers of wax to create a mould. Once a layer (which is used as a mould to cast the bronze) is created, the inner layer of wax is heated and melted leading to the name ‘lost-wax technique’. What is obtained is then used to create the base product.

FACT 3: It take 4-5 days to create a small Dhokra product

By looking at the detailed procedure above, it might be very clear to you that making Dhokra products is not an overnight chore. The multitude of steps take hours to follow. Drying of the mould, melting of the metal and carving intricate details take hours and hours even by skilled and experienced artists. Larger pieces and complicated structures may even take up two to three weeks for the making.

However, the wait is always worth it owing to the beautiful sculptures and items that come out at the end. It is infact one of the reasons why the next fact will amaze you even more.

FACT 4: Two Dhokra products are NEVER the same

You heard it right. It is the prime reason why the art is considered to be so precious and interesting. Even for similar designs, individual Dhokra products are made with different moulds. There is never the same mould being used twice (they are melted away, remember?). Additionally, in different regions of India, artisans add their own unique touch to the making of the product - some prefer slimmer limbs for the figurines, some use different string patterns, some prefer jaali work and thus, everytime a Dhokra product is made it is one of its kind. You will not find a variable for it.

FACT 5: Dhokra is a sustainable art form

Lot of people believe that handicraft making lacks the sophistication of machines and thus can cause a lot of pollution, wastage and environmental harm. The reality is diametrically opposite to this myth.

Dhokra can be, without a doubt, called a green art because of recycling of waste materials, locally sourcing of raw materials, usage of scrap metal and much more. It makes the art perfect for environmental use. In fact, once you purchase a Dhokra product online, you can use it in many more ways than one without the need of keeping it away in a box or discarding it in the waste.

Get Your Art Piece Today

Now that you are fully convinced about the art and are ready to take the next step, visit www.dhokrahanidcrafts.com and make your purchase of a royal-looking Dhokra product. From Dhokra jewellery to home decor products and a variety of gifting items, the art form has a lot to offer and we ensure the best pieces reach you on time, right at your doorstep.

If you want to know more about the art, drop us a message and we will get back to you with the wonders of Dhokra.