Etikoppaka Toys
Figurines and Toys
History
Nestled on the banks of the Varaha River in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, the village of Etikoppaka is renowned for its exquisite wooden toys, locally called Etikoppaka Bommalu. With origins tracing back over 400 years, the craft flourished under the patronage of local zamindars during the Vijayanagara empire and later in the pre-independence era. Known as Turned Wood Lacquer Craft, Etikoppaka toys are celebrated for their smooth lacquer finish, vibrant colors, and designs depicting figures like Lord Ganesha, bullock carts, and cannons.
Raw Materials and Tools
The toys are primarily made from Ankudi Karra wood (Wrightia tinctoria), valued for its softness and pale color. Lac, a resinous secretion from insects, serves as the base for coloring. Natural dyes are derived from seeds, bark, roots, and leaves, ensuring eco-friendly vibrancy. Tools include the lathe machine, axe-shaped tools (Badithi), chisels (Vuli), emery paper, and Mogali tree leaves for polishing, enabling artisans to produce smooth, finely finished products.
Process
Artisans skillfully carve Ankudi Karra wood into toy components using a lathe and chisels. While the object spins on the lathe, lac mixed with natural vegetable dyes is applied, and the heat from friction melts the lac, imparting bright colors to the surface. The colored pieces are smoothed with emery paper and polished with Mogali leaves, before being assembled into toys. This traditional oxidation process ensures a rich, glossy lacquer coating admired worldwide.
Design and Color
Etikoppaka toys are known for their smooth lacquer finishes and earthy vibrancy. Popular motifs include mythological figures, rural life scenes, festive icons, Lord Ganesha idols, bullock carts, and miniature cannons. The use of natural vegetable dyes gives the toys a palette of warm reds, yellows, greens, and browns, adding authenticity and ecological value. Minimalist yet lively, these designs blend storytelling with function, symbolizing Andhra Pradesh’s cultural artistry and heritage craftsmanship.
Product Range
Originally created as traditional children’s toys, Etikoppaka products have diversified into decorative items, festival ornaments, jewelry, kitchenware, and lifestyle accessories. Their eco-friendly materials, smooth lacquer finish, and artisanal appeal have earned them recognition in global markets. Today, Etikoppaka Bommalu remain a sought-after handicraft, admired both for their cultural symbolism and sustainable innovation, helping preserve the village’s centuries-old legacy while meeting modern aesthetic and functional demands.