In Tigariya village, Betul district, Madhya Pradesh, the sound of craft never stops. At its heart works Baldev Waghmare, a master of Bharewa (Dhokra) metal casting and one of the most decorated tribal artisans in the state.
Born into the craft
Born in 1979 into the traditional Bharewa artisan community, Baldev learned lost-wax metal casting from his father, Shri Sukhram Waghmare. At a time when the craft was declining, he chose to dedicate himself entirely to it, and then went further: he taught it. Over the years he has trained hundreds of artisans, and today works alongside dozens of craftspeople at the Tigariya Craft Village, whose recognition as an official Craft Village in 2018 owes much to his effort.
An award-winning legacy
His work has earned the National Kalidas Academy Award (2021), the State Vishwakarma Award (2011 and 2021), and the Best Artisan Award from Madhya Pradesh Tourism (2016). His sculptures stand in Raj Bhavan and museums across Madhya Pradesh, and he has exhibited from Delhi to Chennai.
Collect his work
Each of Baldev's sculptures is cast in a mould that is broken to release it, so every piece is the only one of its kind. Start with the Madia Madin tribal couple, a signature of his style, or the joyous Dancing Tribal Couple with musical instruments. For collectors, the Cooking Tribal Showpiece set shows his gift for storytelling in metal.
See all of Baldev Waghmare's works here. When you buy one, you become part of the story that keeps this craft alive.
