Saw Dust Toys of Andhra Pradesh

Toy making is a popular practise in some areas of Andhra Pradesh. Kondapalli toys have thrived in the village Kondapalli near Vijayawada for decades. The tempting Kondapalli toys are used as both dolls and decorative items. The toys are well-known in the world for their unique wood. They are made of white Puniki and coloured with natural dyes such as vegetable dyes.

The process for manufacturing these toys involves multiple stages. First, the outline of the toy is etched out of white Puniki wood by the artisans. This type of wood is grown specifically in lands set aside for this purpose in villages near Kondapalli. To give the toy its unique appearance, lappam, sawdust, and tamarind seed paste are mixed and applied on the dolls. To paint toys being exported, vegetable dyes are used. Toys sold in India are coloured with oil paints, while toys made for special occasions are coloured with enamel paints. 

There are many iconic Kondapalli toys, such as the Ambari elephant, farmer pair, palanquin-bearers, and several other artistic wonders made from Puniki.