KONDAPALLI TOYS
Kondapalli is famous for its wooden toys and dolls which are made out of a soft wood known as tella poniki. This soft-wood is found around kondapalli. These toys and dolls (bommalu) are hand-crafted and feature mythological figures, animals, birds, carts etc.,
The first step is to chop the log of wood into small blocks. these blocks are then carved roughly using the local hand tools such as Chisel, Mallet, etc.,
once the basic shape is achieved, the figures are carved further and detailing is done on the surface.
After the carving is done, the figures are smoothed and finished with the help of sand papers for the next process.
the figures then reach to the assembly line where the small parts are joined together using adhesive.
other adjustments are also done before proceeding for applying paint on the figures.
figures are left for about an hour to let the adhesive dry completely.
coloring the toys and dolls is done with either oil and water-colors or vegetable dye and enamel paints are applied based on the type of Bommalu.
the figures are painted with bright-colors which seeks immediate attention. the painting process is done in two-steps.
In step 1, basic colors are applied and the figures are left till the colors completely dry.
In the next step, the detailing is done with the help of fine brushes. parts such as eyes, jwellery, etc., are painted during this process.
After the detailing is done the toys and dolls are checked thoroughly. This process is like a quality control.
The flaws are corrected if any and then the toys and dolls are carefully packed for transporting them to different markets.
the toys and dolls have been used in cultural events such as Navaratri, Shankranti and used as gifts during marriages and other events.
this craft of making dolls and toys is dying due to the long and costly process of making toys, low-profit, western influences, etc.,
organizations such as LEPAKSHI and some other groups are taking initiatives to revive this dying art.
A design intervention is needed to rejuvenate this craft of Andhra Pradesh. kondapalli Bommalu represents its rich culture and heritage.
the craftsperson in Kondapalli are highly skilled and therefore their skills should not be restricted to just Dolls.
Premier Institutes such as NID can act as an incubator to provide a global platform to these crafts by its design intervention.
the dancing-dolls have become a symbol of Andhra's culture
the craftsmen have started to come up with utilitarian products.
the toys and dolls can be easily purchased directly from the craftsmen in Kondapalli toy village (Bommala colony).
A shopkeeper selling kondapalli toys at the Kondapalli Fort which attracts a lot of tourists.
Thank You.
