About Etikoppaka Lacquer Toy Craft Village
Etikoppaka Lacquer Toy Craft Village is a traditional handicraft village located in Etikoppaka, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, on the banks of the Varaha River. Renowned for its 400-year-old lacquer toy-making tradition using soft Ankudu wood and natural vegetable dyes, the village holds a Geographical Indication tag. Visitors can observe artisans crafting colorful toys, learn about sustainable techniques, and purchase authentic handmade products directly from craftspeople.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small rural village setting with clusters of artisan homes and workshops along the Varaha River. Artisans demonstrate the complete toy-making process including wood turning on hand and machine lathes, lacquering with natural dyes, and hand painting. Visitors can walk through workshops, interact with craftspeople, see a wide range of finished toys, dolls, and decorative items, and purchase products directly from cooperative societies and family-run units.
Key highlights
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Geographical Indication (GI) tagged Etikoppaka lacquer toys
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400-year-old craft using soft Ankudu (Wrightia tinctoria) wood
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Use of natural vegetable dyes and lacquer coating
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Live demonstrations of wood-turning and lacquering by artisans