Wednesday, February 8, 2017
The Bobblehead Bommais of Thanjavur
Labels:
bobblehead,
craft,
dolls,
thalayatti bommai,
Thanjavur
Thanjavur Doll is a unique and antique product from Thanjavur city. This doll is a part of Thanjavur’s traditional arts. Previously it used to be only made in Thanjore but now it’s being produced in all parts of Tamil Nadu. The dolls are well known for its elegant movements and steps like a dancer. Traditionally known as Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai (Thalaiyatti means ‘Shaking head’ and Bommai means ‘Doll’), are a part of an exquisite heritage of beautiful handicrafts from Thanjavur.
History:
The significance of these amazing dolls is intertwined with the history of the region, and dates back to the early 19th century during King Saraboji’s reign. His passion for colors and art evolved to be the root cause of this beautiful structure. Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai is generally a pair of king and queen and in their doll-like sembalance symbolise the many dynasties that homed Thanjavur. These dolls have a next level charm about them, with a cordial and welcoming aura which can be attributed to the dancing style in which they seem to greet everyone mainly by shaking their heads ( which is their most striking feature) and moving their body in a continuous, oscillating movement.
Why thalaiyatti bommais are special?
It is quite interesting to note how the doll’s centre of gravity was identified and used during the early days. The doll’s total weight is concentrated on the bottom most central all the time. The round bottomed toy comes in sitting, standing and rotating types. Some artists tend to design thanjavur thalaiyatti bommai with a sense of humor.
Thanjavur dolls are sold extensively during navratri season. This is when the dolls are used as part of the golus. Myths and legends states that the tanjore racking dolls are used to showcase the downfall and upliftment of life. Nearly 9 racks are decorated with these beautiful little creations.
Process:
Clay from the banks of Cauvery, the river by which Thanjavur is situated, is used in its making. Plaster of Paris and paper pulp are mixed along with tuber gum in a dough-like consistency. Then the dough is beaten up to mix it well and is flattened to put it proportionally on the desired mould. This dough is pressed into moulds to make the front and back panels of the doll. Once dry, the panels are removed from the moulds and paper is stuck on them. Tuber gum is used to seal the front and back of the hollow doll as well as the seam that joins the clay-filled rounded base. Once the mould is dry, all the four parts are individually smoothened with sandpaper slowly. Oil paints are then used to coat them. Paints used in these dolls are of various colours.
Current Scenario:
There is a huge demand for papier mache dolls in the past few years. The Doll making industry is growing day by day.
As one of the artisan stated that there is also a high demand for dolls form NRIs. They have started frequenting the area to place orders for custom-made dolls. They ask for papier-mâché dolls not more than five inches high so that they can be transported to their countries easily. They give the design or photograph for the doll of their choice. Nowadays people want innovative sets of dolls for theme-based ‘Kolu’ arrangements during Navarathri. Women in the area have formed self-help groups and run their own production units. They get loans from the government and function in groups of 15 members. This has not only given us additional source of income, but has also instilled confidence in them.
Contact Details Located In: 1st Street, Lakshmi Nagar, Velachery
Contact: 9042308508
Working Hours: 09:00 to 18:00
Documented by Urvashi
History:
The significance of these amazing dolls is intertwined with the history of the region, and dates back to the early 19th century during King Saraboji’s reign. His passion for colors and art evolved to be the root cause of this beautiful structure. Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai is generally a pair of king and queen and in their doll-like sembalance symbolise the many dynasties that homed Thanjavur. These dolls have a next level charm about them, with a cordial and welcoming aura which can be attributed to the dancing style in which they seem to greet everyone mainly by shaking their heads ( which is their most striking feature) and moving their body in a continuous, oscillating movement.
Why thalaiyatti bommais are special?
It is quite interesting to note how the doll’s centre of gravity was identified and used during the early days. The doll’s total weight is concentrated on the bottom most central all the time. The round bottomed toy comes in sitting, standing and rotating types. Some artists tend to design thanjavur thalaiyatti bommai with a sense of humor.
Thanjavur dolls are sold extensively during navratri season. This is when the dolls are used as part of the golus. Myths and legends states that the tanjore racking dolls are used to showcase the downfall and upliftment of life. Nearly 9 racks are decorated with these beautiful little creations.
Process:
Clay from the banks of Cauvery, the river by which Thanjavur is situated, is used in its making. Plaster of Paris and paper pulp are mixed along with tuber gum in a dough-like consistency. Then the dough is beaten up to mix it well and is flattened to put it proportionally on the desired mould. This dough is pressed into moulds to make the front and back panels of the doll. Once dry, the panels are removed from the moulds and paper is stuck on them. Tuber gum is used to seal the front and back of the hollow doll as well as the seam that joins the clay-filled rounded base. Once the mould is dry, all the four parts are individually smoothened with sandpaper slowly. Oil paints are then used to coat them. Paints used in these dolls are of various colours.
Current Scenario:
There is a huge demand for papier mache dolls in the past few years. The Doll making industry is growing day by day.
As one of the artisan stated that there is also a high demand for dolls form NRIs. They have started frequenting the area to place orders for custom-made dolls. They ask for papier-mâché dolls not more than five inches high so that they can be transported to their countries easily. They give the design or photograph for the doll of their choice. Nowadays people want innovative sets of dolls for theme-based ‘Kolu’ arrangements during Navarathri. Women in the area have formed self-help groups and run their own production units. They get loans from the government and function in groups of 15 members. This has not only given us additional source of income, but has also instilled confidence in them.
Contact Details Located In: 1st Street, Lakshmi Nagar, Velachery
Contact: 9042308508
Working Hours: 09:00 to 18:00
Documented by Urvashi
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment