Dokra Elephant with Lady and 2 Diya

Dokra craft, the ancient, lost-wax method of metal casting, goes back as far as the Mohenjodaro period, and has a rich legacy in the history of Bengal’s handicrafts. Dokra artefacts are admired all over the world for its primeval simplicity and enchanting folk motifs. The traditional ironsmiths of Bengal, known as Kamars or Karmakars, in the districts of Bankura, Medinipur, Purulia, Birbhum and Bardhaman excel in this exquisite art of metal casting. Bengal’s Dokra with provenance in Bankura and Bardhaman has been conferred on with Geographical Indication (GI) for its unique beauty. Today, Dokra artefacts range from figurines, deities, elephant, owl, deer and other animals to ornaments like anklet, ankle bells, earring, necklace, bangle etc. They also make utility items like nut cracker, kohl holder, vermillion holder, utensils etc.