Face of a Tribal Goddess

National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

Title : Face of a Tribal Goddess

Accession No : 85/437/D/NHHM

The figure showcases a stylised head of a tribal goddess who is adorned with jewellery across the outline of her face. The eyes are big and fish-shaped with prominent eyebrows. The hair is sleeked back in a bun. In place of the ears, there is an S-shaped spiral motif.

Gallery

85437DNHHMA.JPG
85437DNHHMB.JPG
85437DNHHMC.JPG
85437DNHHMD.JPG
85437DNHHME.JPG

Provenance

  • StateChhattisgarh

Condition

  • ConditionAverage
  • Action NoteCR; Darkening; Accumulation of Dust

Contributor

  • Community / TribeGhadwa

Dimensions

  • Measurement (CMS)5.5 x 4.5 (dia) cms

Significance

  • Socio economicIn India, the craftsmen who practise Dhokra metal craft are clustered in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal. The craft is made by different communities like the Situlias, Ghantaras, Thataries, Ghasis, Bathudis etc. The Dhokra craftsmen went from tribe to tribe making their ceremonial and religious figures, ornaments and kitchenware.
  • ArtisticDhokra (also spelt Dokra) is non–ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique. This sort of metal casting has been used in India for over 4,000 years and is still used. The product of Dhokra artisans is in great demand in domestic and foreign markets because of its primitive simplicity, enchanting folk motifs and forceful form. Dhokra horses, elephants, peacocks, owls, religious images, measuring bowls, lamp caskets etc., are highly appreciated.

Description

  • DescriptionThe figure showcases a stylised head of a tribal goddess who is adorned with jewellery across the outline of her face. The eyes are big and fish-shaped with prominent eyebrows. The hair is sleeked back in a bun. In place of the ears, there is an S-shaped spiral motif.
  • Inscription/Markings No
  • Reference"Ranjan, Aditi. Handmade in India: Crafts of India. Edited by Aditi Ranjan & M. P. Ranjan. Ahmedabad: Council of Handicraft Development Corporations, 2007. Jain, Jyotindra and Aarti Aggarwala. National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, New Delhi. Ahmedabad: Mapin Publishing Pvt. Ltd., 1989."
  • KeywordDhokra, Metal, Art, Tribal, Deity, Goddess, Metalware, Figure, Odisha