Metal Craft and its types

Various metals such as brass, copper, silver, etc are used in our country for craftwork. For instance, in Himachal Pradesh, mohras (metal plaques of Durga) are made from gold and silver and curved trumpets (narasingha) are made from copper.

History of Metal Craft

Iranian Metal Wall Art  may be traced back as long as archaeologists can record – even as far as 7000 B.C. – because of its tenacity. The Bronze Age is marked by crude creative attempts (hammered metal). Metal tools, utensils, bowls, and even human figures and masks may all be traced back to some of the world’s oldest civilizations.

Ancient Egyptians were highly intelligent people who understood how to create excellent ornamental metal artefacts out of bronze, gold, and other metals. The majority of the world’s most valuable artefacts have survived the pyramids and catacombs of Egypt. The Incas, Mayans, and Aztecs are only a few examples of ancient American civilizations that deserve similar recognition.

The Role of the Blacksmiths:

• The lohar (blacksmith) makes and mends the agricultural iron implements and fashions utensils of different metals found.
• They also make tools for other artisans, create icons, and ornaments, and repairs damaged metal objects.
• Metal craft is one of the key traditions of Himachal Pradesh. In Himachal Pradesh blacksmiths, carpenters and stone workers consider themselves a single group.
• Carpenters and metalsmiths call themselves Dhimans and trace back to their origin being called Vishwakarma.

Patrons of Metal Craft:

• Temple and Royal court: They gave rise to highly accomplished craftspersons and blacksmiths. 
• Nobility and wealthy landowners: Objects made of precious metal were symbols of power. 

• Much of their income from taxes was converted into treasure (khazana) in the form of jewellery. 
• It was in workshops (karkhanas), that goldsmiths and silversmiths practised their skills of metalcrafts.
• Some objects were presented as gifts on special occasions such as the public assemblies (durbars) while others were brought out for specific religious rituals.

• Less well-off zamindars and rural population: They copied the customs of their superiors. They invested their surplus earnings in silver ornaments worn by women.

Crafting Metals:

• Human cultures around the world have an extended history of experimentation of metals and expression by using alloys like brass and bronze, and precious metals like gold and silver, and in more recent human history they are using  iron and steel.

Materials and Processes:

• Common metals used in our country for craftwork are silver, brass, copper, and bell-metal. 
• The carving of an object is done by:

• Beating the ingot or sheet metal with a hammer while it is hot.
• Pouring the molten metal in a mould made of:

• Clay: for ordinary ware
• Wax: for more delicate objects

• The beating process is preferred especially for bell-metal and copperware.
• Tempering is carried out by heating the article till it turns red-hot, and then dipping it in cold water.

Making of a Bronze Image:

• The Shilpa Shastra’s elaborate treatise is followed for this activity.
• From the Rig Vedic times, there have been references to two casting processes, solid and hollow, termed ‘ghana’ and ‘sushira’ respectively.
• Each image is very individualistic, and the craftsman must learn not only the physical measurements of the right proportions but also familiarise themselves with the verses describing each deity, its characteristics, symbolism and above all the aesthetics. 
• These verses are known as ‘dhyana’,  meaning meditation.
• Each of the important body part is likened to some object from nature: 

• Eyebrows: Neem leaf or a fish
• Nose: Sesame flower
• Upper lip: Bow
• Chin: Mango stone
• Neck: Conch shell
• Thigh: Banana tree-trunk 
• Kneecap: Crab, ear, lily

Silver Images:

• According to Hindu traditions, a ritually polluted object made of gold or silver can be restored to purity by washing it in water.
• It is now scientifically validated that water is automatically purified when placed in a silver container, as ionic reaction of silver with water kills its bacterial content.
• Even though silver metal occurs rarely in its pure and natural state in India, it has always been extensively available through 2000 years of trade. Main import has always been for precious metals.

• Silver is 15-23 times cheaper than gold and is within the reach of many sections of our society.

Conclusion

Metal art is described as any piece of art made from ‘earth’s ores,’ such as bronze, gold, or iron. Metal art made from various metal alloys, such as aluminium, is also prevalent. Certain metals stand up to the test of time and keep their original lustre for thousands of years. Metal craftsmen began to make sculptures, bracelets, necklaces, and other kinds of gold and bronze décor uncovered from numerous ancient civilizations as metal work progressed to become more design-centric and ornamental in nature.