Metal is a common craft tool among the tribes of India. Orissa is best known for its dhokra metal castings, an important traditional craft. Brass is the metal used and is cast by the lost wax method to make exquisite products. Dhokra is not exclusive to Orissa alone. It is also found in Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

Process of making dhokra casting

1: Male artisans apply pressure to obtain wires of beeswax from block.

2: Female artisans applying mud to cover the whole object.

3: Red mud is again applied to cover the object fully.

4: Mould is prepared for casting of brass.

5: The model is taken out of the burner for casting. Molten brass is poured down the funnel-like opening on the upper surface of the model. The brass is melted in a vessel called kui, which is made out of graphite.

6: It has to be carefully arranged before heating.

7: A fire is lit by applying air pressure using a modern burner.

8: The wax between the core and mould is lost or burnt out as the mould is heated.

9: Fire is cooled with water.

10: Each object is taken out from the fireplace.

11: Then the molten metal takes its place and hardens between the core and inner surface of the mould which holds a negative impression of the wax model in all its detail. The outer surface of the hardened metal, therefore, reproduces the shape and details of the original wax model, with the core producing a hollow interior. The hard core and mould become spongy and soft on firing and are easily removed. It is allowed to cool down. This process takes about two to four hours.

12: Once it is cooled, it is beaten slowly with a hammer.

13: Mud is cleaned out from the outside as well as the inside of the model. The product is obtained which after cleaning results in the finished product for the consumer. However, during the whole process there is wastage of 20-25 per cent on brass. The whole process lasts for a day.