"Roaring Lion" Tribal Box Statuette

In this spectacular brass figure ancient dhokra technique is applied in a most intricate manner. The lion is crafted with a deep sense of finesse and refinement. Precision of a surgeon is manifest here. Dhokra is a very old technique of casting figures. Literally meaning old, dhokra is a laborious lost wax process practiced in north Indian region of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. In this technique, first a model is sculpted of clay and dried in the sun. Then it is covered with beeswax and more clay and a mold is formed. The piece is cast, cleaned and again dried in the sun. Finally, it is heated in the ground for five days and polished.