Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted a Dhokra (or Dokra) artwork to French President Emmanuel Macron.

About Dhokra Artwork

Dhokra Art is an ancient metal-casting craft from India, primarily practiced by the Dhokra Damar tribes.
It uses the lost-wax casting technique, where a wax model is made, coated in clay, and molten metal is poured into the mold after the wax melts.
This technique has been in use for over 4,000 years, with the earliest known artifact being the dancing girl from Mohenjo-Daro.
Dhokra is practiced in Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, with distinct regional styles.
In 2018, Adilabad Dokra from Telangana received the GI tag for its distinct style.

Primitive: The designs are rustic and simplistic, often featuring animals, religious figures, and tribal motifs.
Seamless: Dhokra pieces are crafted as a single unit without joints, providing a unique and smooth finish.
Long Crafting Time: Each figurine can take up to a month to complete due to the intricate processes involved.
Non-ferrous Metal: Brass and copper are mainly used in Dhokra Art due to their strength and malleability.
Casting Types:
- Solid Casting: Common in Southern India, uses solid wax.
- Hollow Casting: Predominant in Central and Eastern India, uses a clay core.