Etikoppaka Toys
Nature's playthings — eco-friendly lacquered toys from Andhra Pradesh, colored entirely with vegetable dyes for safe, sustainable play.
Origin
Etikoppaka, Andhra Pradesh
History
400+ Years
Material
Ankudu Wood
Recognition
GI Tagged (2017)
Etikoppaka, a village on the banks of the Varaha River in Visakhapatnam district, has been crafting lacquered wooden toys for over four centuries. What makes these toys remarkable is their complete eco-friendliness — the entire coloring process uses only natural vegetable dyes, making them perfectly safe even if children put them in their mouths.
The artisans, belonging to the Nakaralu community, use ankudu wood (Wrightia tinctoria) which is soft, lightweight, and grows abundantly in the Eastern Ghats. Each toy is turned on a traditional hand-powered lathe, then lacquered with colors extracted from seeds (for red and black), bark (for yellow), and leaves (for green). The craft was recognized with a Geographical Indication tag in 2017, protecting this sustainable tradition.
Distinctive Features
Ankudu Wood
Made from soft ankudu (Wrightia tinctoria) wood that is lightweight and easy to turn on a lathe
Natural Dyes
Colors derived from seeds, bark, roots, and leaves make these toys completely non-toxic
Lathe-Turned
Each piece is skillfully shaped on a traditional hand-powered lathe
GI Protected
Awarded Geographical Indication tag in 2017 recognizing its unique Etikoppaka origin
Traditional Items
Spinning Tops
Classic bongaram in vibrant natural colors, a staple of Indian childhood.
Baby Rattles
Safe, smooth rattles with gentle sounds perfect for infants.
Fruits & Vegetables
Educational toys shaped like mangoes, brinjals, and other produce.
Figurines
Dolls, animals, and birds in the distinctive Etikoppaka style.