At the upcoming Republic Day celebrations in Delhi, the tableau of Andhra Pradesh will appear more colourful and also playful. The southern state, which won an award last year, will showcase its rich history of traditional toys from the village of Etikoppaka in north coastal Andhra. These unique toys have also been recognised with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
On the mobile tableau would be an enlarged version of a toy replica. One of the popular theme is Raja and Rani which would be on tableau along with mythological characters and religious figures like lord Balaji, Budhha and Ganesha. Among the bestsellers are musical instruments and animal figurines, inspired by past civilisations, which will be on display on January 26.
The artists of Etikoppaka have a long legacy as their ancestors and fellow villagers have mastered the art of craftsmanship for 400 years, after it originated in the village and survived the vagaries of time. The toys have smooth contours which makes it special and ideal for children as they minimises the chances of getting hurt. The attractive combination of colours like red, blue and green seen on the handmade toys have a deeper philosophy. They are environment-friendly and are natural dyes derived from plant-based sources and a traditional “lacquer turning” technique involving lac resin. Since the colours are non-toxic, they are deemed safe around young ones.
What adds to the novelty factor of the wooden toys is that they are made from Ankudu tree or Wrightiatinctoria. The wood is known to be soft which makes it easier for the artisans to carve on.
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“There are other villages in the country which make traditional toys. But they do not use natural colours or this variety of wood. Etikoppaka stands out as they make toys that are very much suitable for children whereas other traditional toys are good to be used as only decorative items. Through the tableau, we are highlighting the craftsmen of Etikoppaka village who have continued the tradition of making toys for decades,” said G. Madhu, Art Demonstrator of I and PR Department of Andhra Pradesh, who is closely involved in designing the tableau.
More than 150 families in Etikoppaka village are involved in the toy-making industry. C.V. Raju, who helped sustain the art and also was instrumental in its export to Western countries, won the Padma Shri award in 2023.
