Traditionally, the Santhal & Bathudi tribes of Odisha practice the Dhokra art with the lost wax technique or hollow casting. It involves intricately patterning a clay core with wax ribbons and then carefully coating it with a mixture 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 a myriad of trees, birds, and animals, mythology, or rituals.