Our Dhokra Handicraft Creations from Odisha are more than just decorative pieces—they are living relics of a 4,000-year-old tradition, shaped by fire, clay, and the hands of India’s indigenous metalsmiths.
Handcrafted using the ancient lost-wax casting technique, each Dhokra artifact is a masterpiece of tribal artistry, passed down through generations of artisan families in Odisha’s tribal belt. This same technique—unchanged for millennia—once sculpted primitive tools, deities, and ritual objects, and now brings you elegant figurines, tribal motifs, and symbolic forms in metal that echo both antiquity and authenticity.
What makes these pieces truly special is their raw, rustic beauty and symbolic meaning. From tribal musicians and animals to divine forms and decorative motifs, each piece is carefully sculpted in beeswax, cast in clay, and poured with molten brass—all done entirely by hand. No two are exactly alike, making every piece one-of-a-kind in form, texture, and soul.
These are not mass-produced items. They are authentic, slow-crafted expressions of rural Odisha, shaped patiently over days or even weeks, with deep reverence for tradition and community. Whether you display them in a modern living room or a traditional setting, Dhokra pieces bring character, culture, and craft into any space.
Every sculpture is a tribute to the artisan’s devotion, heritage, and harmony with nature—a soulful balance between function and form, material and meaning.
Whether you’re curating a cultural home, adding depth to your interiors, or gifting a piece of Indian legacy, these handcrafted Dhokra artifacts from Odisha are timeless keepsakes you'll value for generations.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
| Product Name | Handcrafted Dhokra Brass Elephant Ashtray |
| Material | Brass Alloy (traditionally made using copper, zinc, and tin) |
| Craft Technique | Ancient Lost-Wax Metal Casting (Dhokra Technique) |
| Artisan Origin | Made by Tribal Artisans from Odisha, India (notably from Dhenkanal & Keonjhar regions) |
| Cultural Significance | Inspired by Tribal Life, Folklore, Rituals, and Indigenous Symbolism |
| Finish | Rustic, Antique Look with Hand-Polished Surface |
| Size | 13 cm x 8 cm B (Varies by Design) |
| Weight | Approx. 275 gms (depending on size and form) |
| Colour | Natural Brass Tone with Slight Patina (Antique Gold Appearance) |
| Design Variations | Animals |
| Production Method | 100% Handmade Using Traditional Lost-Wax Casting |
| Use Case | Ideal for Home Décor, Cultural Displays, Gifting, Collectibles |
| Durability | Extremely Long-Lasting; Suitable for Indoor Use |
| Sustainability | Eco-Friendly, Ethically Crafted, Supports Artisan Livelihoods |
STORY BEHIND THIS CRAFT
Rooted in India’s tribal heartlands, this ancient metalcraft continues to thrive in the remote artisan villages of Odisha, especially in the districts of Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj. Passed down through generations of tribal metalsmiths, Dhokra is one of the oldest known techniques of metal casting in the world, still practiced today with remarkable authenticity and reverence.
In Odisha, Dhokra artisans do not merely create objects—they tell stories in metal. Their works depict tribal deities, village musicians, nature-inspired forms, animals, and motifs steeped in mythology and everyday rural life. These handcrafted brass figures are not only decorative—they are symbols of heritage, identity, and tradition.
What makes Dhokra truly unique is its ancient lost-wax casting method, known as cire perdue. Every piece is handmade from scratch, using a meticulous multi-step process:
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Wax Model Creation
The artisan begins by sculpting a detailed model of the design using natural beeswax mixed with resin and oil. -
Clay Molding
The wax model is coated in several layers of fine clay, forming a thick mold casing. This is left to dry thoroughly. -
Wax Removal
The mold is then heated over a fire, allowing the wax to melt and drain out, leaving a hollow cavity in the shape of the original design. -
Metal Pouring
Molten brass (or a similar alloy) is poured into the empty mold, taking the place of the lost wax. -
Cooling and Breaking
Once cooled and solidified, the clay mold is carefully broken apart to reveal the raw metal figure inside. -
Finishing Touches
The final piece is cleaned, polished, and in some cases, darkened with patina to highlight its antique charm. No two pieces are identical—each one carries subtle variations that mark it as truly handmade.
Each Dhokra artifact is an echo of history, molded by hand and fire, and preserved through craft, community, and care.
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At TAALAPATRA, every product is handcrafted with care and inspired by India’s rich cultural heritage. Variations in color, texture, weave, or artwork are natural and highlight the uniqueness of handmade craftsmanship. Product descriptions may include folklore, regional traditions, and symbolic interpretations, intended to enhance your appreciation of the art—not as historical facts.
Colours may also appear slightly different due to lighting or screen settings. We request you to embrace these small variations as a part of the product’s authenticity and charm.
For complete details, please refer to our Disclaimer Policy.
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