Dhokra (casting technique)

Distinctive type of ancient lost-wax casting technique named after the Dhokra tribes, who are the traditional metalworkers of West Bengal. It is distinguished by decoration made using a pipette to squeeze out long strings of wax that are applied as coils, spirals, strips, or other designs to the mold. Among the items produced by this technique are folk deity figures, votive horsemen, lamps, dowry rice bowls, animal figures, and fish-shaped openwork brass purses.