DOKRA

Dokra is an ancient technique of production of non-ferrous metalware by the lost wax casting (cire perdue) process. The name ‘Dhokra’ comes from the Dhokra Damar tribes, who are the traditional metal smiths of West Bengal. Their technique of lost wax casting is named after their tribe, hence Dhokra metal casting. The artisans follow the process which is believed to be 5000 years old to make tribal figures, animals, deities and jewelry. The Dariyapur village located close to Guskara in Purba Bardhaman is known for its Dokra artisans. The families had migrated to this place from Odisha. At present artisans from Dariyapur practice Dokra craft as an occupation.