Kondapalli Toys facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kondapalli Toys |
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| Geographical indication | |
Kondapalli toys at a house in Vijayawada
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| 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 the toys made of wood in Kondapalli of Krishna district, a village nearby Vijayawada in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Bommala Colony translates to Toys Colony in Kondapalli is the place where the art of crafting takes place. It was registered as one of the geographical indication handicraft from Andhra Pradesh as per Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. These toys were one of the variety of toys assembled in the houses during the festivals of Sankranti and Navratri and is referred as Bommala Koluvu.
Toy crafting
The Kondapalli toys are made from soft wood known as Tella Poniki which are found in nearby Kondapalli Hills. Each part is carved out separately. Then makku- a paste of tamarind seed powder & sawdust is used to join pieces together, add details and finish the toys. The later step involves coloring with either oil and water-colours or vegetable dyes and enamel paints are applied based on the type of the toys. 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.
Support
The art form which has got patronage from the rulers in ancient times is in decline due to lack of profits, time taking to produce toys, influence of western art and younger generations not encouraged towards this art. Lepakshi and Lanco Institute of General Humanitarian Trust took initiative to keep alive the art of crafting toys.
Images for kids
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Wood craft models on display at Shilparamam in Hyderabad
