THANJAVUR DOLLS

Dec. 30, 2018

Very few artisans are left in the profession of the traditional craft of making Thanjavur dolls.

About:

  • The Thanjavur doll is a type of traditional Indian toy made in the city of Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore, of Tamil Nadu.

  • Background: In Tamil language, it is called as Thanjavur thalayatti bommai originated during 19th Century under King Saraboji’s reign.

  • Movement: The centre of gravity and total weight of the doll is concentrated at its bottom-most point, generating a dance-like continuous movement with slow oscillations.

  • Material: Traditionally these toys are handmade with paper mache, wax / Lae , plaster of paris/cement, coloring agents,Clay, Cardboard. Nowadays, they are also being made in plastics.

  • Recognition: They have been recognized as a Geographical Indication by the Government of India as of 2008-09.

Source : The Hindu