Swamimalai Bronze Icons

Swamimalai's stapathis, hereditary sculptor-founders, cast temple icons by the lost-wax process: a figure modelled in beeswax and resin is encased in layers of fine alluvial clay from the Kaveri, heated so the wax runs out, and filled with molten bronze or panchaloha alloy. The clay mould is then broken away and each icon is finished by hand with chisels and files, following the proportions laid down in the Shilpa Shastras. The craft continues the Chola bronze tradition and was registered as a Geographical Indication in 2008.