Dastkari Haat Samiti
Dastkari Haat Samiti
Jewellery and Vessels
The facility of moulding by hand makes it easy to create a different form or design for each item of dhokra craft. Products are therefore multifarious, whether merely decorative or utilitarian. From the smallest object like a key chain or a votive figure no more than an inch high, dhokra artisans make figures even 5ft tall if required to do so. The artisans of Pundi village in Jharkand, make small vessels and tiny jewelry objects for the local markets.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A small pendant of Hanuman done in dhokra craft has a simple form that can be worn simply with a black thread by every devotee, male or female.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A chain of pendants made by the dhokra artists from Punchi village.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A collection of pendants made in a trishul form is made by the dhokra artists of Pundi village.
How many are to be threaded in what manner is the choice of the wearer
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Process (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The dhokra container is ready after the casting process.
It is still to be processed further, when all the mud will be remove from inside.
Religious Figures
Their most common art objects are religious figures posing in different aspects, or a range of animals both realistic or uniquely shaped. Dancing figures, drummers and flute players are popular souvenirs. One favourite is a dhokra figure of a woman lying casually on a string bed, reading a book.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A dhokra idol of Lord Ganesha is displayed by its makers perched on a rock in dry, hot Pundi village
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Lord Ganesha idols are made in many sizes. They are a popular item during the festive season of Diwali.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Dhokra products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The resplendent deity of the Goddess Durga standing among her followers and courtiers makes an elaborate gift for a wedding, visiting dignitaries or even a prayer room.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Dhokra products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Lord Ganesha is probably the most versatile of figures to be depicted in dhokra craft.
Long, short, fat or slim, reading a book or playing a musical instrument, he is the ever-popular divine figure everybody loves to possess.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The metalsmiths of dhokra not only make vessels but also small figures of animals in their tribal style.
The figures of an elephant and a horse are displayed resting on rocks near the artisan’s home.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The tortoise made by the dhokra artists from the village shows their familiarity with animals that are part of their larger habitat.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A wall piece of a deer with antlers made by the dhokra artists from the village is a flight of decorative fancy.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Dhokra products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Animal figures are particularly beautifully executed because of the propensity of tribal communities to live close to nature.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Dhokra products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Crabs, scorpions and lizards and a woman in dhokra craft standing fearlessly among them becomes a tableau that tells a story.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Dhokra products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Scorpions are a part of daily life in sandy, rocky environments common to the Malhore tribes. Here, one is converted into a container.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Dhokra products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Read more about Dhokra craft here:
-Environment
-Process
Text: Jaya Jaitly
Photography: Chirodeep Chaudhuri
Artisans: Madhav Malhar, Moti Malhar, Dilip Malhar
Ground Facilitator: Ankit Kumar
Documentary Video: Chirodeep Chaudhuri
Curation: Ruchira Verma
