If you are on a trip to this culturally rich land of Andhra Pradesh probably the best gifts that you can take back home for your loved ones are the Ettikopakka Toys. The Ettikopakka Toys are also the perfect choice for those who want to decorate their drawing rooms beautifully. These traditional toys of Andhra Pradesh come at surprisingly affordable prices. So never be hesitant to pick up a few of your choice whenever you visit the state.
Most of us have perhaps not given it a deep thought but each toy always has a story to tell. The toys of Andhra Pradesh are no exception and reveal a lot about the cultures and traditions of the state. The Ettikopakka Toys are a wonderful means of acquainting your children with the cultural heritage of the state of Andhra Pradesh. They come in a wide variety and are very life like.
The Ettikopakka Toys are named after the place Ettikopakka which is located near the state capital Vishakapatnam. The reason behind naming them after this place is that they are produced here in large numbers. The toys are made of wood and then a coating of lacquer is applied on them. A dry form of lacquer is used and generally the lacquer is applied by hand.
After the toys are carved out of wood and before they are coated with lacquer, designs are painted on them with vegetable dyes. The craftsmen lacquer the Ettikopakka Toys so adroitly that the colors are not lost. The purpose is to increase the aesthetic beauty of the Ettikopakka Toys which are then rendered all the more charming. Beads, colored glass, stones and mirrors are also used to decorate the Ettikopakka Toys.
One will surely be very pleasantly surprised on seeing the diversity of the Ettikopakka Toys. They depict gods and goddesses as well as typical Carnatic musical instruments like the veena. You can purchase the peasant woman who works in the field. The choice of going for a typical Telegu bride is also there in front of you. Several other household articles like furniture's are sold in toy sizes as well.
The Ettikopakka Toys are lovely presents and nice decorative items. By buying them you will help this craft of Andhra Pradesh survive and also help out those artisans in the villagers who spend their days making these beautiful toys.
