Bronze Sculptures

Copper was the earliest metal to be discovered by man. As early as 3500 BC, man was smelting copper and tin together to make bronze. This was the beginning of the Bronze Age. In India, the Bronze Age began in around 3300 BC in the Indus Valley Civilization. The history of bronze in India tells us that people were using the alloy to make bronze sculptures, vessels, weapons, tools and other items.

What is Bronze?

Bronze is basically an alloy of copper and tin and zinc. Sometimes, other metals are also added. Bronze is hard and durable. It is brownish in color. It is used either in its sheet form or cast into a particular shape.

Bronze is the preferred choice for sculpting because it is strong and holds its shape. It is also comparatively lighter than marble and is hence easy to transport.

Method of Casting Bronze Statues

Initially, bronze was used to make solid sculptures. It was only later that hollow casting was discovered, and bronze sculptures ever since have been created using this method. It is also called the lost wax method.