Thanjavur Doll of Tamil Nadu

The globally acclaimed Tanjore Dolls (toys) are made with plaster of Paris, wood pulp and, of course, clay, obtained from the banks of the Cauvery river. These toys are the Indian version of the bobble headed dolls, which are mounted in such a way that their bodies and heads shake when they are moved. The dolls come in pairs like Raja and Rani, and attract the attention of children because of their unique nature.

The plaster of Paris and paper (wood) pulp are immersed in water to the ratio of 1:3, along with tuber flour (sago) and then mixed into a dough which has the consistency of  “poori” flour. The mixture is put into the die meant for producing patterns. The die-cast figurines are then left to dry in the shade for half an hour.  Thereafter, they are affixed with papers and again dried for one and a half hours.  The two parts of the dolls are then joined together and dried once more. After that the dolls are coated with flour to fill any gaps Clay is then added on the bottom. After they are dried, the dolls are painted.