Address:
ZILHA KRIDA SANKUL, NANDURBAR, NANDURBAR ,MAHARASHTRA - 425412
About type of art
Artefact Name - Metal Craft
Artist Name (with mobile number) -
Sr.No. Name Contact No.
1) Suresh Chandra Pungati 9765052057
Tribe Name - Madia, Agaria and Gond.
Type of Artefact(Mask, tool, pottery, etc.) - Bharai kaam (Dhokra)
Material(Wood, metal, clay, etc.) - Iron, brass, copper and Bronze.
Use/Function - (How was the artefact traditionally used, In 500 words)
Dokra art, also known as the lost wax technique of creating metal crafts, is a traditional method that has been passed down through generations. This ancient technique has been cherished by various tribes in India, including the Madia, Agaria, and Gond as it holds significant cultural value for them.
Some of the exquisite metal artifacts created through the Dokra art form include bullock carts, deer, buffaloes, camels, fish, horses, elephants, and depictions of Madia musicians performing the Mandhari dance, as well as representations of Thakur dev and other cultural figures.
The intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail in Dokra art reflect the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of these tribes. Through their skilled hands, these artisans have preserved and celebrated their cultural identity through the creation of these beautiful metal artifacts.
Cultural Significance - (Meaning and importance of the artefact within the tribal community in 500 words )
The scarcity of metals in tribal belts has led to very little use of Metal in tribal life. The use of metalwork is only a couple of centuries old. Different metals, as per their availability, are used for making idols in different parts of the tribal areas. While the idols in Vidarbha are made of brass, in Melghat, most of them are made of iron. Similarly, mixed metal is used in the Thane-Nashik area.
Initial mould of making metal sculptures is made of clay and wax. Molten metal is then poured into the mould to make idols. Tribals believe that whenever they make something, they are creating life. Idols made with such beliefs may totally transform the emotional life of a tribal. Such idols are installed with great ceremonies. Because of this condition in making sculptures, there is a great paucity of tribal sculpture. Yet, some of the sculptures show centuries of tradition behind them.