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Do you remember the "Dancing Girl" (circa 2500 BC, unearthed in 1926)- the most famous icon of the Indus valley civilization. She was created using the unique lost wax method - a metallurgical genius of the time. Did you know this ancient craft was kept alive for centuries by a small group of indigenous nomadic tribe- the Dokra Damar Tribe. Their passion and incomprehensible hard work brings alive the ancient motifs.... ‘Dokra’, is non–ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique.

The lost-wax technique, called cire perdue in French, is a metallurgical art. This art is one of the oldest and the most advanced metallurgical art. Dokra is the art of metal crafts amongst some aboriginal tribes of eastern India. The tribes were initially nomadic in nature who finally settled in the different tribal areas of India. We bring to you this art of Dhokra from a tiny tribal settlement (36 families, a total of 133 craftsperson including 65 women) in West Bengal, India.

Women are equally involved in making of these artecrafts. Though the art is appreciated by many, it is threatened with extinction due to the economic pressure on the artists. Dokra objects are timeless and create an antique look. The materials used are Brass metal (Copper and Zinc), wax, clay, coal and mustard oil. The entire piece of art is made from a single mould without any assembly or soldering and could take up to a month or two to be created. In May 2018, Dokra art from Bengal was presented with the Geographical Indication tag (vide no. 563). Maya Emporium presents- Dazzling Dokra: The Ancient Indian Craft And Metallurgical Wonder- First Time in Australia...We are very thankful to State Bank of India, Australia for their kind support in this endeavour. More at- https://mayaemporium.com.au/dazzling-dokra