Under the latest and popular online series of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya entitled ‘Exhibit of the Week’ the “Ganesh” Traditional Dokra-craft of the community of Karmakar of Bankura, West Bengal, height – 120 cm., Width – 60 cm, collected from 1997 has been exhibited in the audience as the second Exhibit of the month of September, 2021 through official website, Facebook, Instagram and twitter page of the IGRMS.
In this regard Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that The Panchmukhi Ganesha, an image of the five-headed Lord Ganesha, is a collection that reflects the style and precision of the traditional Dokra-craft of Bankura, West Bengal. This idol is made using the lost wax hollow casting technique (Cire Perdue), a specialised craft tradition of the area.
The Karmakar community of the state has the legacy of practicing this metal craft for generations. The idol is shown in a standing posture in the middle of a decorated altar. The four hands are depicted in an easeful gesture holding the armaments of his divinity. The right leg of Lord Ganesha rests on the back of a mouse, which, according to Hindu belief, is the vehicle of Lord Ganesha. The idol is crafted with every detail of ornamentation, such as the crown, necklace, clothes, and armaments. The pedestal of the altar also depicts two other companions of mouses along with the Lord's vehicle. The image is surmounted by a three folded canopy, topped by a conical finial.