Dokra/Dhokra Art: Extracting the Finished Metal Artifact by Breaking the Mold

24-Mar-2026

This photo shows an important stage in the traditional Dokra/Dhokra art-making process practiced in Karge Rege village of Ranchi district, Jharkhand. Artisans from the Oraon, Munda, and Ho tribal communities have preserved and continued this craft for generations. In the image, both women and men are carefully breaking the clay mold to remove the metal artifact created through the Dokra/Dhokra casting process. This step requires great effort, patience, and precision because the artisan must ensure that the metal object inside the mold is not damaged while breaking it. After the object is removed, it is cleaned and finished to give it its final form. Through traditional skills and collective effort, beautiful Dokra/Dhokra metal artifacts are created.