Kondapalli Toys find a prominent place in South Indian homes during the festivals of
Dussehra and
Makara Sankranti. These toys are crafted in a town called
Kondapalli in
Krishna District.
Themed around mythology, rural life and animals, these toys exhibit joyous and realistic expressions. There is a strong influence of Islamic style in the art. It is believed that this art originated in Rajasthan, since the pointed nose and veil of the human figures is reminiscent of the 17th century Rajasthani style.
‘Tella Poniki,’ a particular variety of soft wood, is used in the making of the Kondapalli toys. The wood is seasoned and cut into appropriate size. Each organ of the body is separately carved and joined together with an adhesive paste derived from tamarind seeds. A coating of ‘sudda’ (white lime) is given over the surface. The toy is colored with watercolors using a goat-hair brush.
