Process
Raw materials:
The raw materials used in Dokra making are - Brass and bell metal scrap, resin, wood, gum, tar, wax, mustard oil, coal and soil of a particular type locally known as Nena. The artists procure the raw materials from the local market.
First, the mud is sieved by the women to make it free from pebbles. The fine mud is mixed with water and smooth dough is made. Post this, the dough is given the desired shape and kept in the sun for drying.
The process of Dokra crafting varies from place to place. In Bikna, the craftspeople use tar and resin wood gum (Dhuno) to form an elastic substance
by continuous heating and cover the mud shape with the elastic mix. In Dariyapur, craftspeople use wax and tar. As wax is very soft, resin is added. 1 kg of wax is mixed with 600 gm of resin and 500 gm of mustard oil. For further precision, form, and fine detailing, a layer of resin and mustard oil is applied. 1 kg of resin is mixed with 250 gm of mustard oil. The intricate designs and the detailing are done with these elastic ‘thread-like’ elements.
Thereafter a thick layer of mud is pasted and the object is perforated on top. The chunks of metal are introduced in it using a metal funnel. It is then put into a furnace. The craft community know the exact time required for the completion of the process.
The products are then carefully taken out using tongs and the mud cover, which is now hard, is broken. Inside lies the beautiful creation. Buffing is done to give it a shiny finish and make the surface even.