Have you ever wondered about the making process of the brass idols or statues of Hindu Gods and Goddesses? Have you ever thought about how these beautiful idols are made? Well, these idols are more than just statues. These are placed in homes and temples to invite sacred vibes and positivity into that space. Furthermore, these brass-made idols are not made using machines in a factory; instead, they are handmade.
This blog will give you a sneak peek into what happens behind the scenes of making a brass idol. Discover how skilled craftspeople bring these sacred figures to life by hand.
Why Is Brass Special?
Each brass idol has a story to tell. The story revolves around faith, devotion, and skill. Brass is a metal that is a mixture of Copper and Zinc and is strong and shiny. In Indian culture, it is considered a way to invite sacred and positive vibes. That is why people place idols made up of brass in homes and temples. Whether one buys a brass-made decorative piece or idols of God, such as the Hanuman Idol and Goddesses, they look incredibly stunning and make the home look even more elegant.
Raw Materials used in making idols
Before we learn about the process of making these brass idols, it is essential to understand the raw materials used in the process.
Brass metal- The first raw material is Brass, which is a mixture of Copper and Zinc, which gives a golden colour to the statues.
Beeswax and other natural materials are used in making the initial model of the idols or statues.
Clay and other materials- A few of the different raw materials include clay, etc.
Step-by-step making of brass idols
To create a brass idol, artisans must follow several steps. The result is that a beautiful brass idol is made. However, the steps to create a single piece of brass idol involve a lot of thought and hard work. Below is the information that will help you understand the step-by-step process of making brass idols.
Planning the Idol
The first step to making any brass idol is thinking about what needs to be made. The artist needs to first give some thought to what they are willing to make. This could include idols and statues of gods and goddesses, such as Krishna and Ganesha, or decorative pieces featuring these idols. Furthermore, this may also involve sketching a rough design or just an image of the Idol. In the case of making idols for God, they need to be aware of their story, the pose in which the Idol needs to be made, etc.
Making the Model
The next step in creating the brass model is to use clay or wax. It includes carefully shaping the model with the hands. Each detail of the idol, including the hands, clothes, nose, jewellery and eyes, is added in this step. It is one of the most time-consuming steps in making the idol, and it needs a lot of focus as well.
The Molding Process – Lost Wax Method
One of the most common methods used to create brass idols is the lost-wax technique. Here's how this technique works-
- Firstly, the wax model is covered with clay to create a mould.
- Furthermore, the mould is heated, which leads to the wax getting melted and running.
- Moreover, there is now a space inside the mould in which hot and melted brass is poured.
- Lastly, when the brass cools down, the mould is then broken, and a roughly made idol comes out. Each Idol that is created is unique because this mould is used only once.
Cleaning and Shaping
The raw brass figure which comes out needs a lot more work to finally turn it into a beautiful Lord Krishna Idol or any other deity. After the casting is done, the idol looks a bit rough. That's when the artist needs to clean and smooth the surface using special tools. In addition to this, they also make changes to minor flaws and ensure that the face, hands, nose, and the entire design of the idol look perfect. This process takes several days.
A few of the steps that are done include-
- Filing and Smoothing
- Engraving and Detailing
- Polishing
- Finishing Touches
Handmade Brass Idols- A special addition to any space
Brass-made idols are extremely special. There are multiple reasons why the idols or statues made up of brass are exceptional.
Get to know about a few of these reasons from the pointers below-
- First and foremost, the most special thing about these idols is that no two handmade idols are similar; they have their unique character.
- The idols made of brass possess spiritual and sacred vibrations. Thus, they radiate positivity whenever they are placed.
- The details and precision of the handmade pieces are extremely exceptional and cannot be achieved with machines.
- People preserve an ancient tradition by placing a brass idol in their homes or other spaces.
Brass Idols- Keeping the Art Alive
In today's time, various factories make machine-made idols in no time. However, the value of handmade brass idols can never be compared to that of machine-made statues or idols. People still love handmade idols because they feel genuine and special. Furthermore, those who purchase these idols are also able to keep the art alive and, in the process, support the families of the craftsmen who make them. Go ahead and choose handmade over machine-made, and keep the beautiful tradition alive for the upcoming generations.
Brass idols are not just for placement in temples. Many individuals purchase brass idols for worship at home. These idols include the one that is not to be forgotten. One can place these idols at their office or any other desired location as well. In addition, they also make a thoughtful gift. Another fantastic thing is that they are durable and long-lasting.
