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. The wax is subsequently melted off, and the cavity formed is filled with molten 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 the abundant environment, be it the village ghotul, myriad of trees, birds and animals, mythology or rituals.