ETIKOPPAKA TOYS – THE TIMELESS WOODEN ART OF ANDHRA PRADESH
ETIKOPPAKA TOYS – THE TIMELESS WOODEN ART OF ANDHRA PRADESH
Introduction
India has always been a land where art is not merely created — it is lived. Every region of the country has its own artistic legacy, shaped by local culture, environment, materials, stories, and generations of skilled hands. Among these living traditions, the wooden lacquer toys of Etikoppaka, a serene village in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, hold a special place. Known fondly as “Etikoppaka Bommalu,” these handcrafted toys are admired for their elegant curves, warm wooden texture, soothing natural colors, and a distinctive mirror-like lacquer sheen.
What sets the Etikoppaka craft apart is not only its aesthetic charm but its deeply rooted sustainability. The toys are crafted using Ankudu wood (Wrightia Tinctoria) — a soft, lightweight wood sourced from local forests, and finished with natural lac colors derived from plant-based sources such as seeds, leaves, bark, and roots. As a result, Etikoppaka toys are non-toxic, safe for children, eco-conscious, and fully renewable.
Over the years, this craft has grown from being a traditional art of local playthings to a globally recognized heritage product used in home décor, gifting, festivals, educational tools, personal accessories, interior styling, and corporate merchandise. The toys received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2017, affirming their authenticity and cultural value.
CraftCoup celebrates this heritage by working directly with artisan families of Etikoppaka, ensuring fair wages, sustainable sourcing, consistent quality, and contemporary design adaptation — while keeping the traditional soul of the craft intact.
Origins and Historical Significance
The wooden lacquer craft of Etikoppaka dates back to several centuries, with documented references suggesting that the tradition has been practiced since ancient times. Located on the banks of the Varaha River, the village environment has always been ideal for sustaining both wood sources and artisan communities.
Historically, Etikoppaka toys were simple play objects — rattles, spinning tops, miniature carts, and animal figures — used by children in nearby villages. These toys formed an integral part of everyday life, encouraging learning, imagination, hand-skill development, and sensory awareness.
Over time, the craft evolved beyond playthings. As artisans experimented with shapes, structures, design motifs, and natural coloring techniques, Etikoppaka lacquerware began to gain attention from cultural scholars, craft institutions, and global art connoisseurs. Collaborative innovation with design schools and organizations helped artisans expand the product range to include:
- Decorative collectibles
- Functional home accessories
- Jewelry and bangle stands
- Kitchenware accents
- Festive décor and gift items
- Corporate gifting lines
- Artistic showpieces
Materials – Nature at the Core
1. Wood – Ankudi (Wrightia Tinctoria)
The primary raw material is Ankudi wood, a soft and fine-grained timber found in the region. This wood is ideal for toy-making because:
- It is lightweight and easy to carve
- It does not release splinters
- It absorbs lacquer smoothly
- It retains shape without warping
Before use, the wood is seasoned for several months to reduce moisture and prevent cracking — an essential step for long-lasting quality.
2. Lacquer – The Natural Sheen
Lac (or lacquer) is obtained from resin secreted by specific insects on host trees. The resin is harvested, purified, melted, and processed into solid lacquer sticks. When rubbed over spinning wood, friction melts the lacquer, coating the surface with a glossy, glass-like finish.
3. Natural Dyes – Plant Based Colors
The traditional Etikoppaka palette is soft, earthy, and refreshing. Colors are extracted from:
Natural Source | Resulting Color |
Annatto Seeds | Red / Orange |
Indigo | Blue / Green |
Kattha (Acacia Extract) | Brown / Tan |
Turmeric & Myrobalan | Yellow |
Fruit skins & Tree Bark | Varied Tones |
These dyes are chemical-free, child-safe, eco-friendly, and biodegradable.
Crafting Process – Where Skill Meets Patience
Each Etikoppaka piece is the result of slow, attentive craftsmanship:
- Wood is selected, cut and seasoned in shade for weeks to months.
- A wooden block is mounted onto a lathe.
- Using hand-held chisels, the artisan shapes curves, contours, and form.
- While the wood spins, hot lac mixed with natural dyes is applied.
- Friction melts the lac, creating a smooth, shiny finish.
- Mogali leaves are used for final polishing, enhancing the gloss.
- The toy is carefully checked for shape uniformity, color clarity, and surface smoothness.
This process demands:
- Precision
- Controlled hand pressure
- Experience with wood characteristics
- Deep understanding of color behavior
The result is a product that feels warm, smooth, safe, and beautifully balanced to the touch.
Product Range Available at CraftCoup
CraftCoup curates a diverse and high-quality selection of Etikoppaka Lacquerware, suitable for every audience, space, and occasion.
1. Baby & Educational Toys
- Rattles
- Teethers
- Rolling animals
- Spinning tops
Safe, lightweight, colorful — perfect for sensory learning.
2. Home Décor & Display Art
- Miniature figurines
- Festive idols
- Traditional figurine sets
- Cultural theme pieces
Ideal for enhancing living rooms, entrance spaces, pooja rooms, and display shelves.
3. Lifestyle & Accessories
- Bangle holders
- Jewelry boxes
- Decorative storage items
Functional pieces with artistic elegance.
4. Corporate & Festive Gifts
- Desktop accents
- Custom sets
- Themed gift hampers
A thoughtful gift choice that reflects culture and sustainability.
Benefits of Etikoppaka Toys
Feature | Advantage |
Natural Wood & Dyes | Safe for children and eco-friendly |
Lightweight | Easy to handle and display |
Durable | Withstands everyday usage |
Handcrafted | Every piece is uniquely meaningful |
Heritage Craft | Supports artisan livelihoods |
Aesthetic Appeal | Enhances décor with artistic elegance |
These items are both usable and collectible, making them valuable additions to modern mindful living.
Care & Maintenance
To preserve the longevity and shine of Etikoppaka pieces:
- Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth.
- Keep away from moisture & heat.
- Do not wash with water or chemicals.
- Store in a cool, dry environment.
With minimal care, these items remain beautiful for years.
Why Choose CraftCoup for Etikoppaka Toys
CraftCoup ensures authenticity, quality, and ethical sourcing:
- Direct artisan partnerships ensure fair income and community growth.
- Zero middlemen policy protects craftsmanship integrity.
- Strict quality inspection ensures smooth finish and lasting durability.
- Packaging designed for safe transit so items reach you damage-free.
- Commitment to eco-friendly products aligned with conscious living.
Every purchase from CraftCoup is a step towards:
- Preserving traditional Indian craft heritage
- Supporting rural artisan families
- Encouraging sustainable consumer choices
Conclusion – A Heritage Worth Owning
Etikoppaka toys are more than just decorative wooden objects.
They are:
- Art you can touch
- Culture you can celebrate
- History you can preserve
- Craft you help sustain
When you bring home Etikoppaka lacquerware, you are not just purchasing a product —you are keeping a living tradition alive.
