Figurine of a Man

National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy

Title : Figurine of a Man

Accession No : 87/7419

The figure showcases a male in a standing position. He is holding a musical instrument in his hand resembling a Shehnai. The forehead is adorned with circular headgear and the neck has a chainaround it. The upper body is is heavier than the legs. The entire figure is covered with linear and the chequered Dhokra pattern all over.

Gallery


Provenance

  • StateOdisha

Condition

  • ConditionAverage
  • Action NoteCR; Darkening; Accumulation of Dust

Contributor

  • Community / TribeKondh

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 male in a standing position. He is holding a musical instrument in his hand resembling a Shehnai. The forehead is adorned with circular headgear and the neck has a chainaround it. The upper body is is heavier than the legs. The entire figure is covered with linear and the chequered Dhokra pattern all over.
  • 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, Decoration, Man, Figurine. Metalware, Odisha