Handcrafted Etikoppaka Ganesha Face

In the early development stages of the Etikoppaka toys, they were only used by children as toys for the purpose of playing. The natural dyes and wood used in these toys made them safe play with and durable. However, gradually the Etikoppaka toys adapted to a broad usage. Today, they can be used as toys, decoration items, utility items and even gifting items.These toys became so popular that several South Indian traditions became attached to them.Toys are made of soft wood and lacquer color. Coloured with natural dyes derived from seeds, lacquer, roots and leaves. The way of toy making is also known as turned wood lacquer craft. The Etikoppaka toys are considered to be ‘one with the nature’ since they are made purely out of natural elements such as seeds, lacquer, bark, roots and leaves. The wood derived to make these toys comes from the ‘Ankudi Karra’ tree (Wrightia tinctoria).