Lohshilp or wrought iron craft is one of the most extraordinary and the oldest craft forms in Bastar district in Chhattisgarh. This craft primely manifests mother nature and her creations in the simplest possible forms, thus it has an aesthetic appeal despite its minimalism. 

 

Lohshilp originated centuries ago in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, which is one of the richest areas in terms of iron ore deposits. Tribals, especially Gond & Maria, mastered themselves in extracting iron out of iron ores, consequently forming ironsmith communities in the tribe. Primarily, they used it to make agricultural tools, harpoons and other weapons for hunting, jungle cutting tools. But gradually they understood the potency of iron and started believing that God resided in iron too. This was when they started creating figurines of their God and accessories namely, tridents, spears and chains. They also started creating wrought iron lamps(diyas) and adorned with animal motifs. Evolving with time, their work got acknowledged and acclaimed. Ironsmiths obtained the opportunity to visit places with their art and also learn from the exposure, resulting in experimentation with the patterns and sizes. Their products include structures of deers, horses and other animals, birds, small diamond leaf-like structures & vertical & horizontal rods, innovative lamps like Laman Diyas (hanging diyas) & Khut Diyas (stand diyas) & numerous other wall hangings & showpieces. The craft that commenced from catering to farming, hunting and ritualistic necessities is now a beautiful work of art in demand. 

 

Now coming to the most interesting question- What is the procedure of making them? They are made of raw materials predominantly recycled iron scrap, taken from the household or the market, using tools, for instance, furnace, hammer, forceps, tongs, chisels, etcetera. The traditional process includes riveting to join two metal surfaces. Starts with scrap iron being beaten repeatedly when hot. It requires no casting and moulding. The desired structure is given carefully by beating it at essential places. Then unnecessary parts are cut away and filed to eliminate sharp edges. On completion, the varnish coat is applied to enrich the lustre. Both hollow and solid figures are made. For making a hollow figure, iron sheets are folded, cut and filed as per the need of the form. In a solid figure, the main body parts are made first and then the detailing is done with the help of small chisels. Nowadays, some artists have started the usage of the welding process to join two surfaces, due to modernisation & surge in demand.  

 

Lohshilp has been protected under the Geographical Indication (GI) of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement since 2008. It is listed in item 82 as "Bastar Iron Craft" of the GI Act 1999 of the Government of India with registration confirmed by the Controller General of Patents Design and Trademarks. 

 

Over the years, the craft has ripened into an art form and so has its worldwide demand. These swadesi handcrafted products are imported by myriad art lovers across the globe. This shilp is passed on from generation to generation in the Bastar region. Although the art has gained enough popularity, challenges are far too many and focussed efforts are required to prevent this art from extinction. And fortunately, in a world of modernised machinery and mass production, people have started comprehending and purchasing handcrafted wrought iron products, therefore resulting in uplifting the lifestyle of artisans.