Bastar district in Chhattisgarh is a predominantly tribal region, famed for its wood?carvings, and terracotta and bronze sculptures. Bastar has large deposits of iron, manganese, and tin – metals essential in the casting of bronze statues. The Maria and Muria tribes, among others, commission idols from the Ghasias, who are sculptors. Sculptures are made using the cire perdue, or lost wax technique. A mould made from clay is left to dry in the sun. The sculptor then wraps or coils the dry mould using smoothened wax wires. Details such as facial features are carved from wax, and ornaments and clothing are added using wax threads. The torso is made first, and the head and legs are fixed to it using bamboo sticks or solid wax. A layer of clay is added over the wax, and has channels to allow molten metal to flow in. The wax melts from the heat of the metal which assumes the shape of the mould. Once it solidifies, the outer layer of clay is broken to reveal the finished image.

Apart from deities, Bastar sculptures include objects of festive and ceremonial significance, and an assortment of everyday use objects including lamps, utensils, combs and hairpins. These bronzes are detailed with motifs inspired by nature and the cosmos. Initially animists, Bastar tribes developed a large and varied pantheon dominated by mother goddesses. Male gods, few in number, are forest or hill spirits, or are specific to clans.