Dokra Craft And Dhokra Metal Craft - The Fine Art Of Excellence In Indian Handicrafts And Brassware

Dokra craft - a kind of tribal Indian handicraft belonging to the genre of brassware handicrafts is made by socially backward tribes known as dokras or Dokra kamars in the tribal dominated mineral rich districts of central - east India.

Why is Dokra craft so highly coveted?

Anything that is hand crafted, sports excellent craftsmanship, boasts of a huge repertoire of designs, patterns and aesthetics and has a story to tell about a folk culture or indigenous native culture will always be highly coveted and a top draw in international art markets, art marts as well as in the domestic markets.

Dokra craft is so prized among collectors and discerning art lovers because of the shapeliness of design, because of its strength and starkness of design and because of its powerful yet simple and elegant motifs that have been inspired by folk culture. Studying Dokra craft, tracing its origin and collecting Dokra figurines are my hobbies. And though I am an amateur, I have noticed that the Dokra elephant is the most popular among animals followed by horses.

Other Dokra figurines which are popular happen to be containers with lids. Some of these containers look like intricately carved miniature treasure chests a few of which are provided with locks and locking devices as well. Other quaint Dokra items that are very popular are miniature replica of measures or manas, kings, human heads etc.

Finally, the piece of Dokra craft is ready for use or sale in local markets and traveling fairs. Some of the items of Dokra craft seen ubiquitously are pen stands, ash trays, candle stands, lamp stands, lamp holders, lamp shades, lamps, religious animals and birds, images of ritual deities like Durga or Parvati, lord Shiva, Ganesh, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Brahma, Vishnu, Narayan, exotic and exquisite tribal and ethnic jewelry with folk motifs and jewelry for Santhals.

The lamp stands that are often seen among Dokra masterpieces of art, feature intricate designs and patterns that heavily draw inspiration from the network of branches in trees and tree motifs or foliage motifs. I have also seen Dokra lamp stands where there are more than a 100 lamps within that 1 stand.

And as I mentioned just now, utilitarian items are also being made by the Dokra tribesmen without compromising on the essentially folk design aesthetics.