Craft Name: Etikoppaka Toys
Region: Etikoppaka village, Visakhapatnam (Anakapalli) district, Andhra Pradesh
CRAFT
HISTORY
Etikoppaka toy-making is believed to be over 300 years old, rooted in the village’s traditional woodturning and lacquer craft. The toys are made from Ankudu wood and finished with natural vegetable dyes, giving them their signature earthy colours.
Historically, the craft was influenced by local temple traditions and rural storytelling themes.
During colonial times, Etikoppaka products became popular in coastal trade networks, especially via Visakhapatnam port. The craft’s distinctive soft sheen, known as “lakka bommalu”, became synonymous with the village.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE:
- These eco-friendly lacquered wooden toys feature seamless curves, vibrant natural dyes, and motifs from mythology and ancient civilizations, made child-safe without chemicals.
- Smooth turned contours, vibrant non-toxic colors, lightweight lacquer finish from Tharini process.
GI Tagged: Yes, received GI tag in 2017.
COLOURS
Bright shades from natural sources like red, green, yellow, blue derived from plants and minerals.
How much time does it take to make a product, and how many artisans are involved in the process?
Several days for detailed toys via elaborate lacquering; crafted by family-based artisans, often 2-4 per piece in clusters.
MOTIFS
Mythological figures (Raja-Rani, Mahabharata scenes), animals, spinning tops, musical instruments, Mohenjo-Daro inspired designs.
RAW MATERIAL
Soft Ankudu (Anjaneyar tree) wood, natural dyes from seeds, resins, barks, vegetables; lacquer from tree sources.
CRAFT MAKING PROCESS
HOW TO IDENTIFY GENUINE AND AUTHENTIC CRAFT
Look for hand-turned wood grain with natural dye vibrancy, subtle lacquer imperfections, GI tag from Etikoppaka artisans, earthy scents; avoid chemical odors or uniform machine finishes.