Preservation of Dokra/Dhokra Art: Young Artisan Learning Traditional Metal Craft Passed Down Through Generations

24-Mar-2026

This photo is of a young man learning the prevalent traditional Dokra/Dhokra art. Dokra/Dhokra art is the traditional craft of the Oraon, Munda, and Ho tribes, which is not taught commercially but is passed down from generation to generation within the community so that this art remains alive. In the photo, the young man is learning an important process of Dokra/Dhokra art under this tradition. He is carefully collecting the melted wax from the hot clay mold into a vessel so that it can be reused. After this, molten metal is poured into that same mold, which, upon cooling, takes the shape of the mold to form a metal object of Dokra/Dhokra art.