Odisha is best known for its Dhokra metal casting craft items, which is an age old
traditional practice of rural craftsman. Mainly people of an aboriginal caste called
Sithulias practice this craft. But in Dhenkanal district of Odisha it is also practised
by other tribes like Ghaniaram, Thatarian and Gharien. The metal used for this casting
is brass followed by lost wax method. This special unique craft is largely set in
Kuliana in the Mayurbhanj district, Kaimati in Keonjhar district, Haradagaria in
Puri district and Sadeibarni in Dhenkanal district. Most of the people of aboriginal
caste of this region are completely dependent on this craft for their livelihood.
Dhokra is an alloy of nickel, brass and zinc. When these three are mixed in the
appropriate proportion it gives an antique look. The motifs that are mostly used
for Dhokra are inspired by folk culture. Traditional dhokra artisans usually cast
the figures of gods and goddesses, lamps, boxes, ornaments and other ritual objects
that are used for household needs, which used to be sold mainly in local weekly
market. But in the contemporary world artisans who are still practicing this particular
craft also makes other utility items like door knob, ash-tray, pen holder, photo
frame, candle, door handle and incense stick stand etc.
As Dhokra metal casting is a lengthy, difficult and time consuming process, so many
tools and raw materials are used for it . Such as; Brass, Bee-Wax, Clay, Bees-Wax
Threads, Coal, Furnace, Hammer, Graphite Container, Chisels, Water, Mud etc.
To begin with, a clay mixture of mud, water and cow dung of appropriate ratio is
kneaded thoroughly. This mixture of clay is used for making a core model. A pure
form of clay is applied as a layer upon this model for smooth finishing. Then it
is left to dry completely. Once it get dried, lengthy wax threads are completely
wrapped with it to form a layer and to obtain the particular drawing. Again a layer
of clay with sand is applied on it. Two channels like holes are made on it and allowed
to dry. In these two channels, one channel is made to pour the molten metal and
the other channel is used for releasing the air out. The model is thoroughly baked
in furnace and through a channel molten metal is poured into it. This molten metal
is initially obtained by melting the metal crucibles in a graphite container. The
molten metal poured into the clay mold acquires the shape and pattern of the wax
model in fine details. This metal further gets hardened between the layers of upper
and inner surfaces of the clay mould. Thus it is dipped in water to cool down the
temperature of the metal. Once it is cooled, the metal artifact is thoroughly cleaned
from both inside and outside by slightly hammering and brushing the burnt mold.
It is further polished all around for finishing look.
