Adilabad Dokra

Dokra, also called Bell Metal Craft, is a traditional tribal craft that dates back centuries, and it has been passed down through generations by the Woj Community, also known as Wojaris or Otaris, who are known for their exceptional skills in Dokra craftsmanship.

The lost wax technique is an ancient casting technique used in making Dokra crafts. First, a clay model is made as the core, over which wax threads are wrapped around to form a layer. Then the clay mold is baked, the wax flows out, and the molten metal is poured into the mold, giving the crafts their unique shape. The use of pure honeybee wax provides more strength and flexibility, which is why it is preferred by artisans.

The entire process of making Dokra crafts is traditional and reflects the product’s aesthetic and simplicity. Each product is unique in design, size, and color because the mold is used only once and then broken. This uniqueness gives the objects an individualistic touch, making them highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

Dokra crafts are favored both in the domestic and international markets because of their aesthetic and primitive simplicity. Adilabad Dokra products are particularly popular, and they include a wide range of items such as idols of tribal gods and goddesses, bells, folk motifs, anklets, animal figures like elephants, peacocks, horses, bulls, tortoise, rabbits, deer, measuring bowls, lamps, lamp caskets, figurines, drummers, peculiar shaped spoons, and other simple forms and traditional designs.

What sets Dokra crafts apart from other crafts is that they are made without any joints. This means that each product is a single, solid piece, and not a combination of multiple parts.