Dokra models are made through a traditional lost-wax casting technique; a method that is passed on to generations within the Dokra or Dhokra tribe.
Starting with a clay core, the craftsmen create the desired model with a mix of natural beeswax, resin and oil completely freehand. No dices or tools are used in this. Once the wax model is complete, another layer of clay is applied on top, which creates a sandwich of the wax model between clay parts. Then it is left to cure.
If one is to create replicas of the same model, same process is to be followed each time. There is no dice or mold casting in the Dokra craft. Each one of the pieces are crafted individually. That's why no two Dokra pieces are same, even if they carry the same design.
The craftsmen usually setup a community kiln to share the cost. Once every season, when the kiln is fired, the craftsmen bring in their wax models to cook them. Which melts all the wax away from the clay parts creating a hollow. When the molten alloys of brass and bronze are poured over it fills the cavity and takes the shape of the model.
Once cured, the clay parts are broken to reveal the unique piece of Dokra.
