This is a Dhokra art sculpture (also spelled Dokra). These artifacts are completely hand made by tribals in the interiors of India using non-ferrous metal casting. Dhokra art uses the 4,000 year old "lost wax casting" technique that was used in the ancient Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilizations. In this technique, a unique cast is made for every single artifact, which gets destroyed in the process. So each masterpiece has to be created from scratch and is unique - a one of it's kind in the world. The art serves as the livelihood for the artisans and their families. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the Dhokra Art process: Step 1 - A mould of wet mud is created by the artisans to give the initial shape to the sculpture. The mould is then adorned with bees-wax with the final design details in mind. It's the same wax that will melt away and give way to the molten bronze later (in step 3). Step 2 - The wax covered mould is further covered with a layer of wet mud leaving a small opening on the top, dried and bound with iron wire, and covered with a final layer of mud. Step 3 - The mould is heated to melt the wax and liquid bronze is poured in the hole at the top. The molten metal fills the spaces left behind by the melted wax and the bronze sculpture is thus formed. After cooling the cast, the outer mud covering is broken to reveal the sculpture. Finally it's cleaned, buffed to highlight some features or painted in some cases before it reaches a store.

• Achieving an exceptionally detailed turtle, using the Lost-wax or Dhokra metal casting, has been accomplished by the tribal craftsmen of Bastar, India
• Metal Craft at its best- Rustic, rough, ancient, rural and exceptionally detailed; made to last a lifetime!
• This antique tortoise with an ornate shell symbolizes longevity and vast knowledge. Being bronze this art sculpture can be seated anywhere without the fear of getting rusted, with the antiqued patina bearing visible traces of sculpting
• Send a dash of good luck to your loved ones with this one-of-a-kind art figurine that celebrates nature's wonderful creatures . Appx. Dimensions:L x 4 inch, W x 2.5 inch, H x 3 inch; Appx. sculpture weight: 370 gm
• Handcrafted - 100% satisfaction guaranteed

Achieving an exceptionally detailed turtle, using the Lost-wax or Dhokra metal casting, has been accomplished by the tribal craftsmen of Bastar, IndiaMoonSun