Wood Carving
| Lacquerware | Kondapalli Toys
KONDAPALLI TOYS
 The craft of Kondapalli toys has originated at
Kondapalli near Vijayawada as a cottage industry practiced by the local artisans. The
traditional art is known to be handed over to successive generations as the main
livelihood.
Soft Puniki wood, which is easy to carve
and available in and around Kondapalli is used to make the toys. The craft carries a
realistic style and simulate lively human expressions. The craft pieces are mostly after
the themes of Mythology, rural life and animals.
Puniki wood is first seasoned and then cut
to the size of the toy. The body contours are then carved for each organ separately and finally joined
together with an adhesive paste of tamarind seeds, prepared by the artisans themselves.
The toy is then coated with lime glue and finally painted in bright colours with fine
brushes made of goat’s hair.
The toys being reasonably priced, find a
prime place in every house. The compact set of Dasavataras seen above is one of great
importance as its presence is rendered auspicious. |
