A0707-255
Figure Depicting The Tree Of Life
Indian Asian
Orissa
Bengal
India
Khond People
20th C.
Patinated Brass
The Khonds are among the oldest tribes of India, known for their animist practices and rituals. They are well known for their imaginative metalwork, called Dhokra, a Hindi word meaning ''folk art.'' Many of the objects are made using the lost-wax process using metal and alloys of various compositions. Dhokra artifacts, famous for their uniqueness, seem to be inspired by silver filigree work. When examining this ''Tree of Life'' depiction, one can get a sense of the spontaneity Khond craftsmen harness to celebrate the activities and relationships of village life.