A Workshop, Betul, Madhya Pradesh.
To gain a basic understanding of the culture and craft of the group practicing the Dhokra Craft in the Betul region of Madhya Pradesh.
Individual Project, with a team of people supporting
Time frame: 1 week
Role
Field Research, Interviews, Cultural Research Analysis, Photographic Documentation, Ideation, Visualisation, Finishing, Sampling, Narrative Building, Spatial and Content Curation, Visual Language Development, Project Management, Installation
Culture Study
The visuals of the village.
Click on image for material details.
Interaction of the locals with the craft.
Click on image for closeup view.
Betul · The tribe
These artisans, known as Bharewas, are primarily found in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. With a population spread across central India, the Gond are one of the largest tribal groups in the region. In Betul, they have maintained a deep connection to the forests and agricultural land, engaging in farming, hunting, and gathering.
About the village traditions.
Historically, the Gond have a rich oral tradition, where myths and legends about their origin as “rulers of the forest” are told through songs, dance, and festivals. Their social structure is organized into clans, with a leadership system based on kinship and traditional customs. Spirituality plays a vital role in Gond life, with animistic beliefs that honor nature and ancestral spirits.
Dhokra · A sustainable craft.
Betul’s Bharewa Shilp focuses heavily on ritualistic and utility-based objects. These items are used in everyday life or during important festivals, especially in tribal communities. These objects are crafted specifically for local festivals and tribal rituals, creating a direct link between the craft and the spiritual practices of the region.
About the craftsmanship.
The aesthetic of Betul’s Dhokra craft reflects the Madhya Pradesh landscape, particularly the flora and fauna of the region. While the lost-wax technique remains the same, the design and symbolism in Betul draw directly from local tribal culture and its interactions with nature, setting it apart from Dhokra crafts in Bengal or Odisha, which have their own distinct narratives and influences.
Illumination Design: Wall Lighting Installation
Why design this.
The product is a flat wall lighting installation featuring an abstract form that beautifully harnesses the traditional Dhokra craft. It incorporates the craft’s signature mesh structure in a ring formation, which represents the everyday lifestyle of the local tribal communities in the village. At its core, this product is a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, aesthetics, and functionality, offering a seamless balance between tradition and modern design.
Where and how.
Type of product
Illumination | Lighting | Installation
Placement
Walls that need a decor element, in interchangeable sizes.
Design Brief.
To design a wall light that is an installation design element that can be repeated as abstract forms with ambient light.
The Process
The 5 days with the artisans were spent observing and learning the techniques of the craft while doing.
We managed to create out own designs while doing that, with the help of the skilled craftsmen.
The design is rooted in the lifestyle and traditions of the tribal community, drawing on their daily activities and cultural motifs.
This flat wall lighting installation embodies the continuity of life. The abstract, circular form draws inspiration from the Circle of Life, reinforcing the concept of cyclical existence and interdependence. The installation symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and the interconnectedness of all forms of life, while simultaneously showcasing the timeless beauty of Dhokra craft.
Ultimately, it is a representation of light—both literal and symbolic—that illuminates the space and enriches the narrative of craft, tradition, and modernity.
Exhibition Design
Process
Content
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Content Review
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Parallel Exhibition Study
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Content Curation
Synthesis
Curate
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Defining Objective
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Narrative Development
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Theme Development
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Space Planning ·
Layouts, Flow of Traffic,
Visitor Experience
Create
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Visual Language Development
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Design Iterations
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Material Sampling
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Test Prints
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Final Prints
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Installation
Objective and Narrative
To portray our understanding of culture and craft, Dhokra, while working with the craftsmen of the region and display an alternative material - centric design process.
The narrative of this exhibit was specifically to the process of the craft and how we understood it. Using the different elements created by the team involved we designed a space inclusive of the process, products and our response to the craft.
The Process
Done over a period of approximately 5 days after the trip, the design created was using the elements discussed by the class.
Developing the layout according to the space allocated was a task, but the outcome was worth the work.