Wooden toys~Etikoppaka

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 06:32:24 +0000

On the banks of river Varaha in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, a small village called Etikoppaka is located. Over hundreds of years, this village has gained popularity for its traditional Indian handicraft- The Etikoppaka toys or Etikoppaka Bommalu. These toys can be seen as a reflection of the people living in this village- simple, innocent and beautiful. The artisans undertake an elaborate process for making each of these toys. This process of Etikoppaka toy making is known as ‘turned wood lacquer craft’ or ‘Tharini.’

The Etikoppaka toys imbibe a certain childlike innocence and whole-heartedly embrace the artisans’ creativity that covers all dimensions and panels. These toys are not only small pockets joy but also expressions of the journey of Indian artisans who have been engaged in this profession since the rule of Rajas and Maharajas. They tell us a story of how times come and go, rulers rise and fall, mankind experiences days filled with warm sunshine and cold harsh rains, however, art continues to be created and cherished. These toys carry within themselves a certain historicity that connects and links the children of today to the children of the past. The soft surface of the toys remind us of our mother’s embrace and the durability of the toy reminds us of our father’s protectiveness, thereby serving as emblems of our own childhood days.

The post Wooden toys~Etikoppaka first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Veena Making~Bobbili

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 10:08:25 +0000

The Saraswathi veenas of Bobbili, Andhra Pradesh consist of a large bowl that is hollowed out of a single wood piece and a bridge containing frets and strings that is placed onto the bowl. The Sarwasiddi community began this craft of veena making and till date continue this practice in order to sustain their livelihoods. Just like other art forms, the veena also occupied a central position in the Raja’s court. It gained a reputation of being a cultural icon and its practice became common in various households. The fact that this instrument was played by maestros of that time further contributed to its positionality and significance. These veenas were also gifted to governors or other higher officials as a token of remembrance.

The beautifully carved patterns, the delicate strings, the culturally rich history and the harmonious tunes that originate out of the Saraswathi veenas make it a special part of out history and culture. The tunes of these veenas not only create music, they tell us a story of the Sarwasiddi community and their craft that has been carried onthrough generations.

The post Veena Making~Bobbili first appeared on Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom.

Andhra Pradesh - Craft Archive | Research on Indian Handicrafts & Handloom

Wooden toys~Etikoppaka

Veena Making~Bobbili