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Are you familiar with Andhra's famous wooden toys? If not, then no need to worry! This blog will describe in detail the Andhra handicrafts Kondapalli toys.
Kondapalli toys, known for their lightweight wood and meticulous artistic craftsmanship, are unique artwork. These vividly painted earthy and rustic wooden toys can add the ideal pop of colour and elevate the aesthetics of any boring space. Kondapalli handicrafts are based on realistic-themed sculptures that portray a variety of emotions and stories of Andhra Pradesh and its history. With a dominant scintillating colour scheme, they are the cutest representation of rural life in the area. Let’s explore Kondapalli Bommalu in detail.
Story Behind The Kondapalli Toys
The exquisite Kondapalli toys are made in the small town of Kondapalli which is located in the Krishna district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It can alternatively be referred to as Vijayawada's industrial suburb. The history of Andhra handicrafts Kondapalli Bommalu is 400 years old. Even though Kondapalli has witnessed difficult times, the community of craftsmen has continued producing its renowned Kondapalli toys. Generation after generation of artists have been crafting toys and carving wood. The craftsmen who make Kondapalli toys are Aryakhastriyas or Nakarshalu who were said to have moved to Kondapalli in the sixteenth century from Rajasthan.
These people claim that they are descended from Muktharishi, a sage to whom Lord Shiva bestowed artistic and craft skills. Every member of the "Toy Colony'' in Kondapalli participates in the generation-long custom of creating wooden toys from scratch. The craftsmen also create a variety of knives in various forms and sizes using some of the oldest yet functional tools. Kondapalli toys manufacturers received recognition with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2006–07 for their unique Kondapalli Bommalu
.
Special About Kondapalli Toys
The Kondapalli toys art form enjoyed the patronage of the ancient rulers. Over a period of time, this craftsmanship was affected badly by colonial rulers. The constant and genuine efforts of Lepakshi and Lanco Institute of General Humanitarian Trust have preserved this art form. The Kondapalli toys manufacturers are Aryakshatriyas who are mentioned in Brahmanda Purana. The speciality of Kondapalli handicrafts lies in its softwood material called Tella Poniki which is found in nearby hills. They are vibrant-looking and light in weight which makes them popular not only in Andhra Pradesh but also in the entire country.
They take inspiration for the toy themes from daily rural life like bullock carts, women drawing water from wells, village headmen, and others. Additionally, mythological figures like Ambari elephants and Dashavatara are also popular Kondapalli toys. Kondapalli bommalu toys are always in demand in nearby states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other parts of India. During the Dussehra festival in Mysore, their demands are increased.
Material Used in Kondapalli Bommalu
The key material used in Kondapalli Bommalu is Tella Poniki or Jiuotia Rotteri Fromis. There is no substitute for this unique softwood, which can only be found in Kondapalli forest areas. Because the wood is soft, it can be expertly carved into a wide variety of artefacts that tell a multitude of tales about the Andhra region and its people. Due to natural materials being used without any chemicals, these toys are completely biodegradable and eco-friendly. The toys' eco-friendly hues, which make them ideal for kids, are another noteworthy feature.
Process of Kondapalli Handicrafts
The crafting process of Kondapalli handicrafts includes the below-mentioned steps: Selecting Softwood
The process of making Kondapalli toys begins with the selection of a specific softwood named Tella Poniki. This smooth textured wood can be easily carved out to make some beautiful artefacts.
Design Thematic Toys
Based on different traditional themes like rural life, mythology, and others, craftsmen choose designs for Kondapalli Bommalu. These intricate designs need a higher level of precision.
Carving Out Wood
As per the chosen design of toys, wooden carving starts with the help of simple tools like chisels and knives. This process requires precise attention and a meticulous approach. Craftsmen add fine details to carved figures like facial gestures, clothing, and more.
Colouring Different Parts
After carving the softwood according to design, tamarind seed powder and sawdust are mixed to form a paste called makku. This paste is painted in a variety of bright colours to join the pieces together. Colours like yellow, red, green and blue are made using naturally sourced materials including indigo, marigold, pomegranate, and palm leaves. Other colours are produced with vegetable dyes. Colouring is done either with oil, vegetable dyes, enamel paints or watercolours based on the type of toy.
Finishing Touch To Toys
When the painted colours are dried out from the figure, artists brush the final touch to their artwork. In this process, they can also highlight some features to enhance the overall appearance.
Type Of Kondapali Toys Made By The Artisans
In Kondapalli village, the area known as Bommala Colony or Toys Colony is where the craft of making Kondapalli toys is practised. Some of the types of Kondapalli toys made by the artisans are described below:
Workers - Kondapalli Handcrafted Wooden Toy
Workers of different kinds are crafted by Kondapalli Handicraft. Craftsmen bring alive the rural occupations while making worker toys. They make potters, weavers, carpenters, construction workers, and others to highlight the local culture in beautiful artwork.
Market Men - Kondapalli Handcrafted Wooden Toy
Market men in different scenes are wooden crafted with this handicraft. Craftsmen think about the rural life theme while crafting toys about shopkeepers of different shops, customers sitting in shops, and more.
Sage - Kondapalli Handcrafted Wooden Toy
Sage of size 12 cm x 9.5 cm x 12 cm in length, width and height is crafted using Kondapalli handicrafts. The artefact of sage shows his specific attire with large hairs, kamandal and sitting in front of fire altars.
Fish Seller - Kondapalli Handcrafted Wooden Toy
Kondapalli toys of fish sellers depict that fishing was the main occupation in the Andhra region during ancient times. This fish seller toy reflects a female selling different types of fish in the market.
King & Queen - Kondapalli Handcrafted Wooden Toy
With the intricate facial details and ornaments, craftsmen make king and queen Kondapalli toys. The king has a turban on his head with a tilak while the queen has many ornaments. Such kondapalli bommalu toys show the royal life of this culture.
Wrapping Up
The village of Kondapalli, in the Krishna district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is home to the Kondapalli toys. These toys, known as Bommala Koluvu, become popular during the Sankranti and Navratri celebrations as people assemble them as home decor items. You can explore a range of Kondapalli toys listed online at iTokri. Visit the virtual store to buy Kondapalli Toys online!
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