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Kondapalli toy makers lost in the ‘wood’s
The world famous Kondapalli toys are facing shortage of its core raw material – Tella Poniki wood – these days. Though the private sector Lanco Group had adopted this prestigious and historical handmade art, the artists have been facing the problem of finding wood, which is special and suitably grows in the Kondapalli Hills. The wood, according to artists, cannot be grown in other parts.
Artisans making Kondapalli toys are facing an uphill task of acquiring raw material, a softwood known as Tella Poniki, available only in Kondapalli reserve forest for making the toys. Now, only 50 families are eking out a livelihood against more than 100 families that depended on this profession two decades ago
The world famous Kondapalli toys are facing shortage of its core raw material – Tella Poniki wood – these days. Though the private sector Lanco Group had adopted this prestigious and historical handmade art, the artists have been facing the problem of finding wood, which is special and suitably grows in the Kondapalli Hills. The wood, according to artists, cannot be grown in other parts. Their attempt to grow the wood in nurseries a little away from the hill also went in vain. The wood is soft and fragile.
Krishna, whose ancestors were also in the same profession, has been running a Kondapalli toy shop on Khilla road for more than a decade. “I learnt the toy making skills from my father, but I am not sure if my children will opt for the same profession,” he said. Due to the scarcity of Tella Poniki softwood, many families are quitting the profession.
“Now, only 50 families are eking out livelihood against more than 100 families that depended on this profession two decades ago,” said Murali Krishna, a senior artisan.
Kondapalli art is popular for its colours and its designs. The craftsmen initially hailed from Rajasthan who migrated to this place in about the 16th century. They work on toys which reflect rural life and Hindu mythology that attract people. The toys that are more popular are palm trees, toddy tapper, bullock carts, elephants, chariots, vegetables, bridge and groom, Dasavataras, besides some animals found in the midst of the people.
There are about 30 to 40 families living on this traditional art, keeping it alive through their own shops and also through the Lepakshi showrooms of the State government. These toys are also a special attraction at all the exhibitions organised across the country. They are picked up by foreign visitors and serve as ideal gifts.
