Andhra Pradesh Leather puppetry in general is a shadow play with puppet, the puppets being prepared with Parchment Leather at Nimmalakunta in Anantpur District and Narsaraopet of Guntur District.
Parchment leather is used to make
- Puppets for Tholu Bommalatu (Shadow play) meaning, “The Dance of Leather Puppets”
- Puppets for Lamp shades and
- Puppets for wall hangings & other utilities.
Parchment leather is prepared from animal skins such as Goat & Sheep skins for small sized puppets and from Cow and buffalo hides for large sized puppets. On the parchment leather grooves and holes are punched with special tools to depict designs of mythological characters.
In Shadow play, this form of art is popularly known as ‘Tholu Bommalata’ in Telugu is one of the earliest performing arts, dating back to the 3rd century B.C. and reaching its pinnacle during the days of the Vijayanagar Empire. These puppets are folk-lore in style, conception and execution.
Image Source from Internet
Epic themes predominate in designs in Leather puppets. Ramayana theme predominates in the designs with huge puppets of Hanuman, Ravana with ten heads, Vinayaka seated regally, all being depicted in vivid colours. Even on the lampshades, deities hold sway along with animals and floral designs.
Process of production depends on the type of puppets and the purpose for which they are meant. For example, puppet leather for lamp shades should be as white as possible to permit shadow of light. Puppets meant for wall hangings can be coloured lightly.
The Intricate process starts with tanning and processing of the goat skin which is then cut into required shapes and sizes. The intended drawing is outlined on the leather by using a pencil or a charcoal. The Craftsman creates a beautiful pattern of etches along the outlines by using chisels of different shapes and sizes.
Finally, a skilled artist fills vibrant colours to the artwork and brings the product to life. The colours are filled in with vegetables dyes - brilliant reds, greens, whites, yellows, browns and orange ruling the roost.
The use of light to depict and narrate epics on screen and puppets modelled representing mythological characters created artistically out of leather have contributed to the uniqueness of these lampshades.
The lampshade is made to look more attractive by chiseling small holes in a decorative pattern on it. The perforation executed on the coloured leather gives an appearance of rich ornamentation against the background of light.
GI Tag Registration Date : 09 September 2008
GI Tag Number : 107
Certificate Number : 93
Geographical Area : Andhra Pradesh
Special Cover Release Date : 08 September 2021
Cancellation : Vijayawada HPO 520 001
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : AP/37/2021
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Enlarged View of Cancellation
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