What are Etikoppaka Toys?

Etikoppaka Toys Latest News

Recently, Andhra Pradesh’s eco-friendly wooden Etikoppaka Toys earn accolades at Republic Day parade.

About Etikoppaka Toys

• These are known as Etikoppaka Bommalu, the exquisite wooden toys are rooted in a 400-year-old tradition of craftsmanship.
• Origin: These are originating in Etikoppaka village in Andhra Pradesh, the toys are renowned for their smooth contours and vibrant colours.
• These toys are made out of wood and are coloured with natural dyes derived from seeds, lacquer, bark, roots and leaves. 
• The artisans mainly use the wood from trees known as ‘ankudu’ (Wrightia Tinctoria) that is soft in nature.
• These toys have no sharp edges. They are rounded on all sides.
• In 2017, the toys received official recognition with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a hallmark of their authenticity and cultural significance.
• The Etikoppaka toys, with their vivid colours and timeless designs, have since gained international recognition.

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What is the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

• It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• The first product in India to be accorded with GI tag was Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05.

Etikoppaka Toys FAQs

Q1: What are Etikoppaka toys famous for?

Ans: These are crafted lacquered and have vibrant colors and rounded edges.

Q2: Etikoppaka toys are crafted in which state?

Ans: Andhra Pradesh

Q3: What are the uses of lacquer?

Ans: It is fast drying, impervious to water, and maintains its transparency as it ages.

Source: IE