| Primary Material | Solid Brass |
| Secondary Material(s) | None |
| Craftsmanship | Traditional lost-wax casting with hand-molded tribal detailing and a dual-tone finish (black brass tribal figure) |
| Finish | Charcoal-black oxidation with highly polished golden-brass jewelry accents |
| Colour Palette | Obsidian Black, Radiant Gold, Deep Antique Bronze |
| Dimensions | Length: 16.6 inches × Breadth: 10.7 inches × Height: 24.9 inches |
| Weight | 21.01 kg |
| Origin | Handcrafted in India |
| Deity / Subject | Tribal Woman (Winnowing Grain) |
Rooted in central Indian agrarian rhythms, this monumental form captures the timeless act of winnowing grain. The highly stylized, elongated silhouette commands immediate attention.
At a Glance
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Finish contrast: A deep, charcoal-black patination settles across the smooth torso and limbs, dramatically isolating the brilliantly polished golden brass of the elaborate coin necklace.
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Posture/form: The black brass tribal figure sits in a crouched position, actively balancing a traditional winnowing basket in her extended hands.
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Key iconographic attribute: The subject wears heavy, layered traditional jewelry, including stacked bangles and intricate ear ornaments, anchoring her rural heritage.
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Craftsmanship detail: The artisan has painstakingly molded the fine grain details within the basket and the individual beads of her necklace, creating an intense tactile interplay.
The Artistry and Iconography of the Tribal Woman
In the rich tradition of central Indian Bastar brass art, figurative pieces often celebrate the dignity of everyday agrarian labor rather than esoteric divine narratives. This dhokra winnowing sculpture captures a village woman operating a traditional soop, an essential communal tool used to toss and catch harvested crops. The distinctively elongated limbs and simplified, expressive facial features are hallmarks of this regional casting style, prioritizing raw kinetic energy over strict anatomical realism. By chemically darkening the primary body while leaving the ornate jewelry to catch ambient light, the master caster transforms raw brass into a profound snapshot of enduring rural resilience.
Styling Notes & Home Placement
Position this monumental piece on a heavy stone hearth or a reinforced timber plinth, where natural light can highlight the intricate golden jewelry against the dark torso. It serves beautifully as a black brass tribal figure for a rustic entryway display, appealing deeply to design-led collectors who appreciate culturally rooted metalwork with commanding architectural density. Measuring exactly 24.9 inches in height, the towering sculpture shares the approximate vertical stature of a classic lounge chair armrest. At a massive 21.01 kg, the concentrated density of the solid cast alloy provides undeniable grounding stability, easily anchoring the heaviest of interior layouts. The intense manual discipline required to flawlessly cast the overhanging winnowing basket and precisely polish the contrasting tribal adornments validates this piece as an elite achievement in traditional Indian casting. To curate a deeply rooted, narrative vignette that celebrates the raw aesthetics of regional Indian metallurgy, consider pairing this piece alongside a tall dhokra brass horse sculpture and a dhokra brass tribal feline sculpture.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
• Dust delicately: Sweep accumulated dust from the deep crevices of the coin necklace and the winnowing basket of the black brass tribal figure using exclusively a dry, soft natural-bristle brush.
• Protect the patina: Preserve the striking dual-tone finish by strictly avoiding liquid metal polishes, acidic household cleaners, or damp cloths, which will permanently strip the dark oxidation from the torso.
• Wipe only with: Clean the prominent, polished golden planes of the jewelry solely with a dry microfiber cloth to gently remove surface oils and maintain the radiant shine.
• Restore professionally if: Place the massive 21.01 kg statue on a structurally reinforced surface to prevent display collapse, and seek specialized foundry repair if a severe impact deforms the delicate extended arms or the basket.