Today’s topic is one of the unique crafts from Visakhapatnam District and is known for its beautiful lacquer work, woodwork, and toys all under the title of its village of origin: Etikoppaka.
With another one of those uniquely Telugu names, Etikoppaka is a recognised brand, its own GI tag, and this week’s installment in our continuing Series on Arts & Crafts of Andhra.
History
Etikoppaka in Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most important centres of lacquerware. Meaning Koppaka on the stream, the village grew up around the waters of the river Eru (also known as Varaaha). It is named after Koppa Raja Narayana of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty branch based around Elamanchili. The area also has an ancient Buddhist mercantile heritage. With over 12,000 people, it is predominantly a farming community. Nevertheless, there are an estimated 250 families who specialise as artisans.
The picturesque village of Etikoppaka provides an ideal stop for tourists and prospective entrepreneurs alike. Located some 65 km outside of beautiful Vizag, it is a stone’s throw away from AP’s commercial capital.
Appealing for its beautiful finish on wood and weave alike, rather than merely limiting this craft to toys, one should note that lacquer’s applications are numerous. From decorative household artwork to lovely lacquer bangles, Etikoppaka in particular offers a standout addition to the home or person of fashionable types.
Known as “the toy village”, Etikoppaka bommalu are brand of its own. The toy industry itself is largely derived from the neighbouring village of Nakkapalli (originally–and more appropriately– Laccapalli).
Lac
Lac industry appears to have flourished in the erstwhile combined state of Andhra, going by the number of villages carrying the name ‘Lakkavaram’, or ‘Lakkavarapukota,’ spread all through the state, in the districts of Visakhpatnam, Vijayanagaram, Prakasam, East and West Godavari, and Warangal. [3]
Lac is the most notable characteristic of the method. This word for a particular kind of wax originates in the Sanskrit word laksha, which featured prominently in the infamous lakshagriha episode of the Mahabharata.
Characteristics
In a world polluted by plastic toys, the non-toxic vegetable dyes of the Etikoppaka offer an alternative. Using a soft wood, these products are then fashioned to perfection with objects varying from beads and earrings to candle stands and vermillion boxes.
The EU contributed to the drop in the industry with its commercial review of the product, which questioned the safety of the resins and dyes. Nevertheless, through the patronage and commitment of C.V. Raju, local landlord and artisan himself, a temporary revival in fortunes was seen.
He resolved to ensure that safety and non-toxic certification would not be an impediment to marketing this lovely handicraft. He experimented with various dyes and natural processes. He innovated by using organic dyes from the handloom industry in place of chemical dyes, which had come into fashion. In the process, he identified a number of natural and specifically vegetable dyes that could surmount any objection, and offered a range of colours such as ochre, olive, turquoise, and indigo blue.
Process
The Tharini, or turned wood lacquer, process is used to prepare these exquisite examples of Andhra craftwork.
First, a fine grain softwood, such as ankudu, is first collected then left out to dry in the hills. This makes for a picturesque view amid the panorama of the Eastern Ghats.
Lac sticks are used to lacquer up the items. Lac is a non-violent process that uses secretions of insect pupae on wood as a wax. The insect itself later leaves alive and well, and the resulting lac stick is then used to embalm the wood.
Clear lac can also be produced from crushed lac sticks tied to a cloth and dipped in hot water. This can then be oxidised with natural vegetable colour and then applied to a carved wood piece turning on a lathe.
Performed either by lathe, machine, or hand, lacquer work is an intensive but rewarding process.
The oxidised lacquer is given a beautiful flair with mogali reku (kevda leaf).
Future
The subtle elegance and subdued yet vibrant colours of wholly organic dye make Etikoppaka lacquerware a promising commercial opportunity and a must-have for fashionable Andhra ladies, whether unmarried or a mother. Still very much a cottage industry, it is an artisan driven craft that could truly blossom under a cooperative armed with business insight.
Of late, applications have expanded across the board. That is why this unique craft of AP is not meant to be just limited to toys. In fact, intricate jewelry boxes, vases, stools, and even bottles are being made in all shapes and sizes using this polish.
Modern e-retailers have already tossed their hats in their ring and have marketed the product as a mid-range luxury item. Whether for jewelry or for show or for young ones, it’s a treasure to treasure for a lifetime.
The Koppaka handicrafts would have faded away, like many others of their ilk, had Raju not innovated. In today’s world, where cultures and societies are getting homogenised, it is the traditional handicrafts such as the Etikoppaka articles that lend an identity to a village and a sense of pride to its people. [3]
Etikoppaka lacquerware is a craft with great commercial potential. Not only does it present an opportunity for healthy margins from shrewd investors or a means of securing the livelihood of hundreds, possibly thousands, it provides yet another prong to revitalising Brand Andhra. Rather than buying Made in China, buy Made in Andhra. Make a buck while making a difference in the process and invest in the future of these artisans and your culture along the way.
References:
- http://www.onlytravelguide.com/andhra-pradesh/arts-crafts/lacquer-ware.php
- http://www.indiamart.com/etikoppaka/
- http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/The-lac-industry-of-Etikoppaka-An-art-form-to-cherish/articleshow/50251973.cms
- http://www.discoveredindia.com/andhra-pradesh/culture-in-andhra-pradesh/handicrafts-art-and-craft-in-andhra-pradesh/etikoppaka-toys.htm
- http://www.coroflot.com/jaikishan/Etikoppaka-toys
