Toys, Dolls & Leather Puppets
Kondapalli, Nirmal, Etikoppka and Tiruchanur are places of special mention with reference to toys & dolls of Andhra Pradesh. They represent characteristic features of Indian people and their lives, Indian flora and fauna.  Kondapalli Toys
A village 16 kms from Vijayawada city is known for what have come to be known as Kondapalli toys. They may be of either Gods or Goddesses, ordinary folk and even birds, vegetables and fruits. The most appealing aspect of the toys is their pure simplicity. An attraction at kondapalli is a seventh century fort said to have been built by the founder of the Kondaveeti Reddy dynasty. Local transport can be hired to and from Kondapalli from Vijayawada.  Etikoppaka Toys
Toys and dolls are made from Poniki, a soft wood. The craftsmen create the most exquisite animals, birds and fruits and vegetables in a colourful manner. Nirmal craftsmen
Nirmal craftsmen aim at achieving life-likeness in their craft. Brightly coloured fruits, vegetables and animals are characteristic of this art. The gloss and sheen give an exclusive touch to these toys and dolls.
Tiruchanur artisans use durable red sanders wood in making dolls. Possessing sharp features, these dolls are unique in style and class. Sawdust Dolls
Dolls from Varigonda village in Nellore district and Vemulavada and Anupuram villages of East Godavari feature traditional themes and historical figures from Hindu epics. Softwood Toys
Softwood Toys from Rajahmundry & Visakhapatnam are made of Ankudu wood. Their beauty lies in being delicately and skilfully carved from a single piece of wood. Leather Puppets
An art patronised by the Vijayanagar rulers, it involves tanning of buffalo or goat skins and painting them with bright colours. Most of the Artisans are settled in Nimmalakunta of Anantapur District, DC Palli of Nellore and Madhavpatnam of East Godavari District, where this 16th century art thrives. The puppets are used in a local art form known as "Tolubommalata" wherein the puppets are shown in shadow from behind a white screen with the performers animating and singing. | 
