Raw Materials and Tools

Design Resource

Dhokra Shilp

The Bell Metal Craft of Bastar

Palash Vaswani

IDC, IIT Bombay

Raw Materials and Tools

• Raw Materials:

Brass:
The primary raw material is brass which is collected from brass scrap or used brass utensils. The scrap is available from local traders for Rs. 220/- to Rs. 250/- per kg.

Black Soil:
The black soil is collected from beds of the fields.

Rice Husk:
Rice husk is procured from mill. It is mixed with soil as clay tends to break while drying. It also prevents the cracking of mould during firing.

Riverside Soil:
It is obtained from the riverbanks. This red colored soil is soft & easy to shape & mould. It facilitates good final shape & finishing of the product.

Cow-Dung (Gobar):
It is mixed with river soil, which allows the wax to melt out of the cast.

Termite Clay:
The fine clay is collected from termite bills.

Bean Leaves:
Lima bean (sem patta) leaves picked up from the plants due to their water content.

Fire Wood:
It generally obtained from nearby forests.

• Tools:
The common tools used are:

- Chisel,
- Wooden Mallet,
- Hammer,
- Phichki-Pharni (Hand-held press),
- Pliers,
- Tongs,
- Wire brushes.

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Dhokra Shilp