Context:
∙ Recently, an entrepreneur has taken the initiative to preserve and safeguard the cultural heritage of Dhokra Shilpkala.
About the Dhokra Shilp Kala:
∙ Origin and History: The origins of Dhokra Shilpkala can be traced back to the tribal communities residing in the regions of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha, where it evolved as an integral part of their cultural and religious practices.
∙ The word ‘Dhokra’ is believed to be derived from the Dhokra Damar tribes, who are the traditional metal smiths of Central India.
∙ It is a 4,000-year-old metal casting tradition from India, blending intricate craftsmanship with cultural heritage.
∙ It used the Lost-wax casting technique for creating intricate metal sculptures.
Issues:
∙ It faces challenges due to urbanisation and mechanised production.
| The Lost-wax Casting Method:– It is a time-tested technique used for creating intricate metal sculptures.– It is also known as ‘investment casting’ or ‘precision casting’ or ‘cire perdue’Process:– A detailed solid wax model of the figure is created, and then a clay mould is made around the wax model.a. The mould is heated, causing the wax to melt and drain away, hence the term ‘lost-wax’.– Molten metal (often bronze, but can also be silver, gold, brass, or copper) is poured into the now empty clay mould.– Once the metal cools, the clay mould is broken to reveal the cast sculpture.– This method of casting has been used since the days of the Cholas. |
