Indian Dhokra Bastar brass elephant with musicians sculpture, folk art sculpture

Introduction to Indian Dhokra Metalwork

Dhokra is one of India’s oldest continuing metalworking traditions, practised by hereditary artisan communities across Bastar, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal. The method is a direct descendant of ancient lost-wax techniques seen in India since the Bronze Age, including the well-known Indus Valley metalwork. These castings are defined by their one-use clay moulds, wax-thread ornament and expressive modelling.

Description of the Sculpture

This sculpture depicts a long-bodied elephant supporting three tribal musicians, each individually modelled in wax before casting. The elephant shows the characteristic pellet decoration on the ears and head created by pressing small wax beads onto the surface, a technique widely documented in Dhokra scholarship. The tubular legs, looped tail, and the flat body platform all reflect the regional style of Bastar workshops.

The three figures exhibit the distinctive facial and bodily idiom of Dhokra work, with elongated necks, rounded eyes, prominent noses and thread-like limbs. Each holds a separate instrument modelled directly in wax, including a drum, a rattle and a stringed instrument. The lost-wax process is visible on the underside, where the irregular surface and evidence of the one-time mould confirm traditional construction rather than later reproduction. The scene reflects a common folk theme of ceremonial procession, where musicians accompany a dignitary or symbolic figure on an elephant during festivals or community events.

Condition

The brass surface shows natural patination with darker tones in crevices and lighter highlights on raised areas from historic handling. The casting remains complete and stable with clear detail and no structural issues.

Why You Should Buy

It captures one of India’s most enduring metalworking traditions in a lively and expressive folk scene that reflects both craft heritage and cultural storytelling.

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