A tiny village called Etikoppaka is located in the district of Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the Varaha River. For several hundred years, the Etikoppaka toys or Etikoppaka Bommalu, a traditional Indian handcraft, have become more well-known. These toys might be considered a mirror of the residents of this community, who are straightforward, simple, and lovely. Each one of these toys is made by artists using a complex procedure. This method of creating Etikoppaka toys is called “turned wood lacquer craft” or “Tharini.”
Applications of these toys
Children were the only ones who played with the Etikoppaka toys in their early growth phases. These toys were sturdy and risk-free, thanks to natural colours and timber. The Etikoppaka toys did, however, progressively adapt to a wide range of uses. They may now be used as gifts, toys, accessories, and functional products.
These toys were a regular part of the life of the locals and residents of the nearby villages for a considerable amount of time. Every child’s face sparkled as they saw the many toy variations, including the rattles, spinning tops, and animal figures. Numerous Etikoppaka boxes gained notoriety for being used to store jewellery and holy items like vermillion.
The rich Indian past inspires the artists who make various toys here. They create mythical artefacts from antiquity like Mohenjo-Daro, straightforward toys with creatures and whirling tops, and even sophisticated toys like door hangings and god statues that appeal to mature tastes. The use of this skill has increased much further in modern times. These toys are utilised not just as playthings, jewellery containers, and cultural symbols but also as decorative items, for instance, the extremely prevalent Etikoppaka door hangings and practical items, such as the water bowls used to feed birds. These items are also utilised as gifts because of their lovely colours, plush finishes, and unbreakable ties to Indian history.
As a result of the craftsmen’s persistent efforts and devotion to their craft, they have been able to extend their customer network and guarantee that this handcraft is still in demand in the contemporary world by adapting to the market. The Etikoppaka toys are currently being marketed as “treasures to treasure for a lifetime” by several contemporary shops.
Significance
The Etikoppaka toys play an essential role in our society and culture for several reasons. The Etikoppaka toys have won many people’s eyes and hearts due to their excellent craftsmanship, vibrant colours, and practicality. The Indian hamlet of Etikoppaka, where these toys are created, has earned the moniker “toy village.”
The Etikoppaka toys are recognised as being “one with nature” since they are made completely of natural materials such as beans, lacquer, timber, stems, and petals. The artisans who use this method have received several awards from groups like the UNESCO CCI Badge, the National Innovation Foundation, and the Medal of Excellence for Handicrafts, among several others.
