Art and symbolism, from the age of the dancing girl

At the Ghadwakam exhibition at Jamaat take a look at an art form that's been practiced for over 4,500 years

At the Ghadwakam exhibition at Jamaat take a look at an art form that's been practiced for over 4,500 years

Most of us would remember the emphasis our History teachers laid on the paragraph about the dancing-girl figurine discovered among the ruins of Mohenjo Daro. With her bejewelled arms and pouty lips, that little woman not only stood as evidence of the developed skill of metal-craftsmen of the Indus Valley Civilisation, she also offered historians a peep into an ancient world.

A bronze sculpture showing a family resting on a khatiya by
Suresh Waghmare

Colaba's Jamaat Gallery now offers visitors a glimpse of that bygone era in their display of gorgeous bronze Ghadwakam sculptures that have been created by expert craftsmen Jaidev Baghel and Suresh Waghmare, using the very ancient and painstaking wax process which was employed over 4,500 years ago.

To gallery founder Pravina Mecklai's trained eye, the differences in both artistic styles are patently obvious. "Jaidev works both sides of the sculptures," she tells us, urging us to note the veteran sculptor's craftsmanship on an extraordinarily-striking Mahua Tree (the tree of life, for the Bastar folk) that Jaidev has surrounded by myriad scenes from the tribesmen's daily life (Rs 1,00,000).

Then, offering the example of an idol of Lord Shiv with a crown that seems inspired by Egyptian regalia and skulls carved on his chest and joints (Rs 40,000) that was crafted by Suresh, who was raised in the Bastar district, Mecklai points out, "Suresh enjoys experimenting with different themes and usually creates flatter forms."

Drawing our attention to their intricate carvings she points out that some of these pieces took weeks to prepare, Mecklai explains, "Fine ribbons of wax are first woven around a core, which is then encased in a clay shell and put through fire. Molten bronze isu00a0 poured into the shell to replace the wax that has melted away and, finally, the shell is cracked open to reveal the sculpture."

As we consider the complex technique involved in their crafting, we are awed by the sight of the fine mesh that forms the body armour on a warrior's torso in one Jaidev piece and the details on the ropes that dangle off the ends of a khatiya, in one of Suresh's sculptures.

Other interesting pieces here include a large sculpture of Shiv-Shakti, the Hindu Yin Yang, where the body of the bull Lord Shiv sits atop transforms into the tiger that is the Goddess Shakti's mount, several stunning figures of the adivasi couple -- Jhitka and Mitki, and a magnificent five-headed tree that's Jaydev's Vandevi or Goddess of the Forest.

Till January 7 at Jamaat, Ground Floor, National House, Tulloch Road, opposite Bade Miyan, Colaba.
Time 11 am to 7 pm (Monday to Saturday)
Call 22822145

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels