Traditionally the Santhal & Bathudi tribes of Odisha practice the Dhokra art with lost wax technique or hollow casting. It involves patterning a clay core intricately with wax ribbons and then coating it carefully with a mix of clay and hay. Subsequently wax melts off, and the cavity formed is filled with molten bronze metal - an alloy of copper and tin. When this solidifies, the craftsman reveals the beauty of his creation by cautiously breaking open the outer clay shell. Inspiration for casting unique pieces of art comes from serene natural surroundings, be it myriad of trees, birds and animals, mythology or rituals.