Dokra/Dhokra Art: Creating Wax Designs in the Lost-Wax Casting Technique

24-Mar-2026

This photo depicts an important stage in the traditional Dokra/Dhokra art-making process of Jharkhand, which has been practiced for generations by artisans from the Oraon, Munda, and Ho tribal communities. In this craft, the process begins with preparing a clay base mold. After that, a layer of wax is carefully applied over the mold, and intricate designs are created using wax. When a second layer of wet clay is applied over it, the clay captures the detailed patterns formed by the wax design. In the image, the black layer visible on the mold is the wax, which is being carefully shaped by the artisan. Through this traditional process, beautiful metal artifacts are later produced using the Dokra/Dhokra technique. This work requires great patience, skill, and traditional knowledge