Inside the Making of Dhokra: Materials, Processes and Techniques.

From clay preparation and wax modelling to shaping and firing, each stage of Dhokra-making involves a distinct set of skills, materials, and techniques developed and practised across generations.

As part of the OCO Residency Programme 2026, the residents visited Nuagaon and Navjeevanpur in Dhenkanal to engage with artisans and observe the different stages of the craft process. Through conversations, observation, and documentation, they explored the materials, methods, and technical knowledge involved in making Dhokra objects.

These field encounters offer insight into the processes behind the finished objects and the generations of knowledge that continue to inform the practice.