Artisanal Techniques Behind Wrought Iron Craftsmanship

The lohars (blacksmiths) themselves manufacture these tools in the community. The first step in the procedure is to continuously beat a hot scrap iron. There is no need for moulding or casting. Carefully pounding it gives it the desired form. After that, the superfluous pieces are chopped away. After finishing, a varnish coat is put on to bring out the shine. Figures are produced in both solid and hollow forms.

Most of the recycled iron scrap used in the art is obtained from markets or households, enabling the wrought iron craft to be a sustainable and environmentally conscious art form. This approach minimizes waste and promotes recycling. The primary tools employed are the Chenni (chisels), Muthli (hammer), Chimtas (forceps), Sandasis (tongs), and Dhukna Sar (furnace).

Tribal Origins

Historically, iron was employed to make hunting and farming equipment for the regional tribes. Tribal members, notably from the Maria and Gond tribes, specialize in extracting iron from the reserves, resulting in ironsmith settlements within the tribe. The artisans and craftsmen began tending to the tribe's requirements by supplying them with various agricultural implements, cutting tools, hunting knives, and arrowheads. Their skills flourished over time and through experimenting with materials and techniques.

Ironsmiths experimented with religious art styles and continued intertwining religion with their crafts. They began producing figurines of the horse-riding Buddha Dev. Their work gained recognition as their art developed over time. Ironsmiths further honed their craft while captivating the world with their art. More experimentation with the shapes and sizes followed. This is evident in the craft's present form, which contains diverse pieces from animal and bird motifs to showpieces portraying boat races and local villagers dancing.