Andhra Pradesh Leather Puppetry
Leather (Other Articles)
History
Tholu Bommalata, the traditional leather puppetry of Andhra Pradesh, means “the dance of leather puppets” in Telugu. Originating around 200 BC during the Satavahana dynasty, it was used to teach Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to rural audiences. About 700 years ago, migrants from Maharashtra brought the craft to Andhra, where it flourished under royal patronage, serving as a key form of entertainment before theatre and cinema.
Raw Materials and Tools
The creation of Tholu Bommalata puppets begins with goat hide, which is cleaned, cured, and processed into a translucent parchment. Artists use chalk or charcoal to sketch mythological figures before cutting intricate details with sharp blades. Bamboo nibs are used to outline designs in black ink, while bamboo pens add finer details. The puppets are then dyed using ochre, green, red, and yellow pigments with the help of brushes.
Process
The making of Tholu Bommalata puppets starts with soaking and sun-drying goat hide to create translucent parchment. Artists sketch mythological figures with chalk or charcoal, then cut tiny windows for detail. Bamboo nibs outline the design, which is further decorated with punched holes and painted in vibrant ochre, green, and red. Finally, pieces are stitched together, allowing flexible movement during performances.
Design and Color
The Tholu Bommalata puppets are commonly colored in black, red, and green, while female characters and sages are typically portrayed in yellow. The intricate details of the puppets are highlighted using black outlines, adding definition and depth to the figures. The designs are crafted with delicate cut-out patterns to enhance their visual appeal when illuminated.
Product Range
These days, this craft is used to make lamp shades, paintings, wall and door hangings, partitions, and contemporary puppets that are widely used in interior design. This village produces almost 150 different kinds of household goods that are sold both locally and outside of it.
Additional Information
