Wooden Toys

Though Kondapalli of Andhra Pradesh and Channapatna of Karnataka are globally acclaimed for their wooden toys, the wood carvers of Kerala also churn out exquisitely carved wooden dolls that bear the inimitable stamp of South India and its rich history.

Wood carving is not only restricted to the magnificent etchings on the temple walls, and palaces. The wooden toys of Kerala, also, generates much excitement and curiosity. Besides, sandalwood, rosewood, teak wood and cedar wood, coconut wood is another popular carving material. Wood carving is a traditional art that bears heavy imprints of the mythology and the culture of Kerala. The wooden toys, a regular fixture at the handicraft fairs, are usually modeled on the popular mythological figures. Nalukettus famed Kerala, a treasure trove of the glorious past of the ancient Indian dynasties, preserves its history through this traditional form of art.

Apart from the various mythological icons, the performing art of Kathakali is also fodder for these artisans. The war paint donned Kathakali heads are carved out in wood with every nuance of emotion captured in the etchings. The huge chariots which are an integral part of the history of India, also find their reproduction in the world of wooden toys. Motifs of animals, like the venerated elephant, are also chiseled out with élan. Icons of deities like Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha are also ubiquitous. The tourists visiting Kerala can also lay their hands on the plethora of Nataraj wooden dolls, the god carved out in all his dancing frenzy.

The world of folklores come alive through the wooden toys. Puppets, popular with the children, flood the markets of the lush backwaters. The come in an array dazzling colors and shapes and are ineluctable.

Maps of India offers you all the details about the wooden toys Kerala and is also the store house of information about the other handicrafts of this wonderful state.

Last Updated on 27 May 2011