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You'll stand at the mouth of Damodar's charcoal furnace as molten bell-metal glows orange, then pour it into a wax mould you shaped yourself that morning. By evening you'll be filing the rough edges off a small brass lamp, still faintly warm, that you cast with your own hands.
Cuncolim has been Goa's centre for bell-metal and brass casting for centuries, supplying temple lamps and bells across the region; the craft survives today in only a handful of family workshops.
The Chari community of Cuncolim have practised lost-wax metal casting since before Portuguese rule, producing ritual brass ware still used in temples and homes across Goa and Karnataka.
We're still verifying a practitioner for this experience — check back soon.
Morning
Learn wax modelling and mould preparation
Midday
Watch and assist the furnace pour
Afternoon
Break the mould, finish and polish your casting
Difficulty
Moderate — involves heat and handling hot tools under supervision
Age suitability
12 and up
Charcoal furnace
Wax mould shaping
Polishing the brass lampPhotographs from this experience will replace these panels once available.
Is it safe for beginners?
Yes, Damodar handles the furnace pour himself; you shape the wax and finish the casting under close guidance.
What will I take home?
A small brass oil lamp or similar piece you cast yourself.
“Watching the pour was mesmerising, and the lamp I made now sits on my desk.”
Ashwin K. · 5/5
“Hot, smoky, and completely fascinating — bring water.”
Helena V. · 4/5
Not a sight to see — a practice to enter.