Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c18.s5.9

v1.c18.s5.9

The outer layer of copper seems to have been cast over the inner one presumably by the cire perdue process. A hole bored through the breast revealed that the substance of the mould inside was like a friable cinder originally consisting of a mixture of sand, clay, charcoal and paddy husks. The virtual transparency of the outer copper garments reflects the greatest credit on the copper-smiths who made this statue. Lumps of copper ore were found in the vicinity suggesting that the smelting and casting operations were done on the spot.