Metallic elephant

Grabbed this on the way home. Never seen one so I had to grab it. Possibly cast brass from India? It's about 7cm long with trunk.

 

Yes, Dhokra ware from tribal India. A lost wax casting technique in which thin threads of wax are used to create or decorate a figurine.

 

Interesting. I thought it might have been made from wire. Now I know.

 

It is cute. Is that rust on it, or some applied color?

 

Thanks. It's not rust, I think it's brass. I'm not sure if it's applied colour or something imparted during the process of making it. I had a cast shiva that also had red colouring on it too. Maybe AJ has the answers...

 

The orange stuff looks like clay residue, from the mold. I think they leave it on for decorative purposes. The older pieces don't have it.

 

Thank you AJ