Kondapalli Toys facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kondapalli Toys |
|
|---|---|
| Geographical indication | |
Kondapalli toys at a house in Vijayawada
|
|
| Alternative names | Kondapalli Bommalu |
| Description | Toys crafted out of Softwood namely, Tella Poniki |
| Type | Handicraft |
| Area | Kondapalli, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh |
| Country | India |
| Material | Wood |
Kondapalli Toys are special wooden toys made in a village called Kondapalli. This village is in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh, a state in India. Near Kondapalli, there's a place known as Bommala Colony, which means Toys Colony. This is where these amazing toys are created!
Kondapalli Toys are so unique that they have a special tag called a geographical indication. This means they are famous for coming from a specific place. People often display these toys in their homes during festivals like Sankranti and Navratri. This display is known as Bommala Koluvu.
Contents
How Kondapalli Toys Are Made
Choosing the Right Wood
Kondapalli toys are made from a special type of soft wood called Tella Poniki. This wood is found in the nearby Kondapalli Hills. It's perfect because it's light and easy to carve.
Carving and Joining Pieces
First, the skilled artisans carve each part of the toy separately. For example, if they are making an animal, they might carve the head, body, and legs as different pieces.
After carving, they use a special paste called makku. This paste is made from tamarind seed powder and sawdust. It acts like a strong glue to join all the carved pieces together. The artisans also use this paste to add small details and make the toys smooth.
Adding Colors and Details
The final step is coloring the toys. Artisans use different types of paints. Some toys are painted with oil and water-colours, while others get vegetable dyes or enamel paints. The type of paint depends on the toy and its design.
Popular Toy Designs
The artisans create many different figures. You can find toys showing:
- Stories from mythology
- Animals and birds
- Traditional bullock carts
- Scenes from village life
Some of the most famous Kondapalli toys include the Dasavataram (figures of the ten forms of a god) and dancing dolls.
Supporting This Art Form
For a long time, kings and rulers supported the art of making Kondapalli toys. However, this art form is facing challenges today. It takes a lot of time to make these toys, and sometimes the profits are not very high. Also, modern toys and Western art styles have become popular.
To help keep this special art alive, organizations like Lepakshi and the Lanco Institute of General Humanitarian Trust are working hard. They are trying to encourage younger generations to learn and continue this beautiful tradition.
Images for kids
-
Wood craft models on display at Shilparamam in Hyderabad
