Kondapalli wooden toys

Kondapalli wooden toys, also known as Kondapalli Bommalu, are traditional handcrafted toys made from a soft whitewood called Tella Poniki found in the Kondapalli hills near Ibrahimpatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Each toy is made by carving separate parts of the wood, which are then joined using a natural paste made from tamarind seed powder and sawdust called makku. After assembly, the toys are painted with vibrant, earthy colors using natural vegetable dyes, oil and watercolors, or enamel paints.
These lightweight toys are famous for their intricate craftsmanship and vivid colors. Artisans create figures inspired by Hindu mythology, rural life, animals, birds, bullock carts, and village scenes. Popular themes include mythological characters like the Dashavatara (the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu), as well as depictions of village folk engaged in daily activities such as grinding flour, drawing water from wells, and climbing palm trees. The toys reflect the rustic charm and cultural tapestry of Telugu society with meticulous detail.
Kondapalli toys are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and have earned a Geographical Indication (GI) status since 2006. The craft has been passed down through generations for over 400 years, involving detailed carving, shaping, and painting to bring folklore and rural Indian culture to life in colorful, engaging figures suitable for both decorative and play purposes.