Contribution short abstract:

Dhokra is an ancient metal craft technique. Though it has thousands of years of legacy, it has changed over time. There have been modifications in technique, visual structure, and functions. This paper studies and analyzes the visual structure and functions of contemporary Dhokra Metalcraft.

Contribution long abstract:

Dhokra artifacts have a traditional hereditary lineage and are practiced in many parts of India. Popularly known as the indigenous technique of Lost wax casting, which dates back to 4000 BCE. Tribal communities of Chhattisgarh’s practice of brass metal craft got christened as Dhokra. It has survived and can flourish due to adaptation and modification. It has brought various tribal communities and their regional flavors into its repertoire but maintains its distinct ethnic features. Dhokra artifacts were made by the artisans of Ghadwa, Malar, and Jhara communities members of the Bastar and Raigarh regions of Chhattisgarh, inspired by regional folklore and as per the requirement of local communities. In due course of time crafts have changed, the drastic change that has occurred is the ways it is consumed today in the urban and digital market, the impact of technology and commercialization of cultural items made the artisans transform tribal utility artifacts into urban material culture and create products inspired by urban folklore. Thus Dhokra Art which has limited functions in the regions has now been used in various contexts and combined with variegated products such as furniture, handbags, bikes, mementos, etc.

Artisans have not changed the structures and functions not only for the sake of the urban consumer but for the regional consumers too, as their lifestyles as well have changed. The present paper will try to learn the visual and functional structure of contemporary Dhokra and discuss the artifacts from the point of the consumer not just the makers.