Hidden in the heart of Andhra Pradesh lies Kondapalli, a quiet village with a centuries-old tradition that continues to captivate art lovers and cultural enthusiasts across the world — the making of Kondapalli toys. These charming, hand-crafted wooden figurines, often small enough to fit in your palm, are the product of patience, precision, and generations of skill passed down through artisan families.

In this guide, we take you inside the step-by-step process that transforms a humble piece of wood into a colorful storyteller of India’s heritage.

Step 1: The Magic Wood — Tella Poniki

The process begins in the Kondapalli hills, where a soft, white wood called Tella Poniki is harvested. This light yet durable wood is chosen for its ease of carving and smooth finish. It’s also eco-friendly and biodegradable — making it the perfect medium for natural toy-making.

Once cut, the wood is dried thoroughly to remove any moisture, which prevents cracking or warping over time.

 Step 2: Carving the Form

Artisans use simple hand tools — chisels, knives, and files — to shape the dried wood into miniature forms. Depending on the toy design, individual parts are carved separately: heads, arms, torsos, animals, instruments, etc.

This stage requires years of training and experience to capture proportions, expressions, and posture with minimal wastage. Whether it’s Lord Krishna playing the flute or a bullock cart, every curve is sculpted with care.

Step 3: Joining with Tamarind Seed Paste

Once all the parts are ready, artisans join the pieces using a traditional adhesive made from tamarind seed paste. This natural glue is strong, non-toxic, and sustainable — a testament to the eco-conscious wisdom of folk crafts.

The joined figure is then allowed to dry completely before it moves on to the next stage.

Step 4: Base Coat and Smoothening

After joining, the toy is coated with a fine layer of chalk powder mixed with water or natural gum. This acts as a primer and helps fill in gaps or rough spots. Once dry, the surface is smoothed by hand or with fine sandpaper to prepare for painting.

This ensures the colors appear vibrant and consistent when applied.

Step 5: Painting with Natural Dyes

Now comes the most colorful stage. Using natural pigments (often derived from plants, stones, and minerals), the toys are hand-painted with:

• Bold outlines

• Bright traditional colors like red, yellow, green, and blue

• Fine detailing on eyes, jewelry, clothing, etc.

Most artisans paint without stencils — relying entirely on visual memory and inherited designs. This results in slight variations that make each piece truly unique.

Step 6: Final Touches & Varnish

Some Kondapalli toys are left matte, while others are given a final coating of natural resin or varnish to preserve color and add a light shine. This protects the toy from dust and moisture while enhancing its appeal.

Artisans then inspect the toy, correct any flaws, and pack it for sale — either in local exhibitions, GI-certified shops, or now increasingly