Kondapalli is a small village near Vijayawada. Kondapalli toys have been famous for quite a number of decades and the history seems to be that few Rajasthani karigars (Artisans) settled over here and started making these figure. The craftsmen of Kondapalli belong to the Arya Khatriya Community and toy making has been in the family for generations. The themes of these toys were primarily depicting rural background & Hindu mythology with backdrops like Churning of Milk/Curd, Bullock cart riding, Elephants with Ambari, Dasaavatar set, Radha Krishna combos etc. The toys are small but narrative. Mythology and village life are the most common depictions carved in Kondapalli.
Traditional Kondapalli toys are locally known as ‘Kondapalli bommalu’. There are few well-known products, which follow traditional themes till date, which specially talks about skill and creativity of Kondapalli toy artisans. The traditional products are world famous Kondapalli Aata bomma - bobble head toy, typical village hut, traditional bullock cart and several themes of village life. Many products are created inspired by mythology, rural life and animals like tiger, elephant and cow. Birds like swans, peacocks and parrots are popular themes too. Themes like- women drawing water from a well, snake charmers, Ambari (elephant with a mahout), potters, wedding ceremony are beautifully created and embellished with vibrant colors. Mythological figures are great favorites, which include Lord Krishna, the playful God, are shown playing the flute with a cow listening on.
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