Etikoppaka is a small village on the banks of river Varaha in the district of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Manufactured in this belt is the exceptional and admirable lacquered wooden craft, traditionally known as the Etikoppaka toys or Etikoppaka Bommalu. The craft dates back to more than 400 years. It is believed to be inherited during the early 18th century from a village called Nakkapalli.
The product is made of “Ankudu woods”, also known as ” Ankudi Kharra”. This is commonly known as the ivory wood. These trees are widely available. The wood of these trees are particularly soft in nature and therefore can be turned and shaped at ease. These are subsequently mixed with lacquer to get the preferred colour dye. Different colours are prepared and obtained using different naturally available organic substances.
The Etikoppaka products are unique and are one of its kind due to the product manufacturing technique. The turned key lacquering method is used. The basic material is cut and shaped using different chisels. The merchandise is then naturally lacquered by hand or machine operated lathe
The craft displays the hard work and creativity of the Artisans of the land. The toys are discrete and make a connection to the history and culture of the Etikoppaka region and the people. Over the years the merchandise is evolved into contemporary subjects. The products are vast and vivid which includes toys, games, decorative items, God, Deities, bangles, bottles, decorative stands, and boxes.
Uniqueness
- Handcrafted and lacquered using natural & organic dyes.
- This craft is carved out of “Ankudu Kana”, one of the best in quality wood, used for making handicrafts.
- This craft reflects the artisan’s relationship with their ancestral, cultural, ethnic, historic, mystic & religious subjects.
- Craft Traditionally Valued among the community.
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