Colorful Burrakatha Wooden toys from Kondapalli

This artful wooden toy comes from one of India's most refined forms of handicraft − Kondapalli toymaking. Portraying the oral storytelling technique known as Burra Katha, this ancient craft is practised in the Telugu states of Andhra and Telangana. The Burra Katha troupe consists of a lead performer alongside two co-performers, delivering compelling narratives of myth, songs, poems and jokes.

The Kondapalli artisan does a brilliant job at representing the community of Jangam Katha performers. He seizes the vibrancy and style of their attire with effective use of colour and form. We notice the nomadic influence in the dressing and the language used in Burra Katha narratives since the original Burra Katha performers were wanderers who sang praises of Lord Shiva. Being a toy with a cultural theme exploring the past glories of Indian performance arts, this toy belongs perfectly in the Bommala Koluvu arranged during the time of Sankranti.

The rich cultural context makes this Kondapalli masterpiece the perfect gift. The earthiness of the toy makes one feel closer to home, making this a must-have for art enthusiasts to transform the look of a home.

This masterful Kondapalli toy narrates a tale of bittersweet irony. The oral tradition of storytelling is no longer a supported art form. The world of internet and cinema has made this ancient art obsolete. The Kondapalli artisan pays homage to this dying tradition while he struggles to keep his art alive. Handicraft brings us closer to the lighter side of living. The artisans of Kondapalli have been converting raw Poniki wood into admirable toys for four centuries today. Their flair for design displays a vast imagination and makes a statement that says handmade art deserves to be at the forefront.