Cowdung Toys of Odisha

In India, cow dung is thought of as holy. It is also believed to possess antiseptic properties. It is of great value to the Indians.

Cowdung toys have been an affordable, economical and easy substitute for wooden and metal toys for centuries. The raw material is free and even the production cost is minimal.

Cowdung toys are mostly made by the women of stone carver communities. They paint the toys in bright colours and keep the design simple and unsophisticated. A tulli or brush is used to paint the toys.

The popular and common articles are figures of birds and animals. The statuettes of Lord Jagannath and his companions are also sold in the local markets.