cholabronzesculpture ஈஸ்வரி சிற்ப நிலையம் (Panchaloaga Statue Manufacturers / ஐம்பொன் சிலை/பஞ்சலோக விக்ரஹம்)

Bronze icons made by Sthapathis in Swamimalai involve a complex process that utilizes a variety of raw materials. The raw materials used for making the icon include Kungulliam (resin), Mezhugu (paraffin wax), Wax-beeswax, and Kadalaiennai (groundnut oil). The mold is made using Kali Mann (clay), Vandal Mann (fine riverside clay), Manal (sand), and Karuvu (mould). The baking of the mold requires Bricks, Kari (coal), Rattai (dried cow dung cakes), and Sauku/kaatumaram (wood). Swamimalai bronze icons are made of an alloy of copper, zinc, tin, silver, and gold. Gold and silver have been gradually removed from the process due to economic reasons. However, many individuals still contribute their own gold and silver jewelry to be used in the icon production workshops. Currently, copper (82%), brass (15%) (an alloy of copper and zinc), and lead (3%)are used in making the icon. It is important to note that the bronze metal is an alloy made by smelting tin and copper together and led and zinc are also added in small quantities for the purpose of building statues.