KONDAPALLI TOYS

Aug. 17, 2019

While Kondapalli toys - cultural icons of Andhra Pradesh - are growing in popularity, its creators are being neglected.

About:

Location: Kondapalli Toys are the toys made of wood in Kondapalli village of Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. Bommala Colony translates to Toys Colony in Kondapalli is the place where the art of crafting takes place.
Recognition: It was registered as one of the geographical indication handicraft from Andhra Pradesh as per Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Depiction: The artisans mainly work on producing figures of mythology, animals, birds, bullock carts, rural life etc., and the most notable one is Dasavataram, dancing dolls etc.
Aryakhastriyas: The artisans who make the toys are referred as Aryakhastriyas (also known as Nakarshalu), who have their mention in the Brahmanda Purana.
Toy crafting:
- The Kondapalli toys are made from soft wood known as Tella Poniki which are found in nearby Kondapalli Hills.
- The wood is first carved out and then the edges are smooth finished.
- The later step involves coloring with either oil and water-colours or vegetable dyes.