Vibrant Hand-Made Toys of Kondapalli

Most-Sought After Imitation Jewelry

The ubiquitous Kondapalli toy is not only a decorative piece, but also an article of reverence to most Telugus across the world. Kondapalli toys are world-famous for their special wooden coat and texture. Handicrafts have thrived for generations in this village located close to Vijayawada. The art of toy-making has evolved greatly in recent times. These wooden painted toys add a touch of aesthetics to drawing rooms with their finely created figurines. These are made of white Puniki and painted with natural colors like vegetable dyes, which sets the tone for an aesthetic ambience. The multi-staged process for making these toys is quite interesting.

The artisans etch out the shape of the toy they create from the white Puniki wood. This particular variety of wood is grown specially in the lands earmarked for this purpose in villages near Kondapalli. Lappum, sawdust and tamarind seed paste are mixed together to give the right look to the toy. Vegetable dyes are used for painting the toys of export quality. Oil paints are used for coloring the toys sold within India and enamel paints are applied to the toys made for special occasions. Some of the iconic wooden painted toys of Kondapalli are Ambari elephant, farmer couple, palanquin-bearers, and many others pieces of artistic wonders created from Puniki which entice the buyers. The artisans’ associations and few self-help groups also market them to buyers. Kondapalli artisans' also have a mutually-aided cooperative society with growing customer patronage for such hand-made wonders. These toys depict the rich rural traditions and Telugu culture in many ways, that is considered quite fascinating.

Kondapalli toys are also available at the Lepakshi Emporiums run by the Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation in AP and other cities in India. The lifestyle of rural Andhra, particularly in the old days, is represented with remarkable finesse and craftsmanship.