Kondapalli Toys
Kondapalli Toys
Kondapalli Toys
Preface:
Kondapalli Toys popularly known as Kondapalli bommalu are
toys made in Kondapalli near Vijayawada, AP, India. The toys are made
by artisans said to have migrated from Rajasthan several generations
ago. This 400-year old tradition has passed on from generation to
generation with every member taking part in the toy-making activity in
Toy Colony of Kondapalli.
The place is known for its brightly coloured wooden toys, mostly
representing village life farmer couples, toddy tappers, village
artisans and palanquin bearers, besides animals. Dasavatarams,
swinging doll and elephant with Ambari are famous Kondapalli toys
How do they make the toys?
The Kondapalli toys are made out of a light wood known locally as
Tella Poniki. Small pieces of the wood undergo a slow heating
treatment to make it totally free of moisture. Every little part of the toy
is then carved out separately. These parts are glued together using an
adhesive made out of crushed tamarind seeds. Once this adhesive
dries up the lime glue adhesive is applied to the toy giving it the white
base colour. Bright water and oil colours are used to paint the toys,
which is delicately done using soft and thin brushes made of goat's
hair. Kondapalli toys depict scenes from everyday human life, deities
from the Hindu pantheon and animal figures.
Problems being faced:
1. The artisans of Kondapalli would make the most business during
these festivals, but these traditions are slowly vanishing and with
them artisans are forced to look at measures to cut costs and
switch to enamel colors instead of natural dyes.
2. Poor quality of soil and lack of government aid have spelt doom
for the doll-makers.
3. Their monthly income has gone up by a meagre 20 per cent.
4. Number of tourists has reduced during the summer holidays
because of various reasons like the weather.
Profits: They get a chance to access the markets and the necessary
exposure to know the latest information. This paves way for a steady
income.
Planet: They use the eco-friendly methods to craft these products. So
this doesnt have any adverse effects on the nature.