Puppets and lampshades

Interested in quirky puppets? Dalavai Kullayaapa, an artist from Nimmalakunta, a remote village in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, makes and sells bright, attractive puppets fashioned from translucent leather. In the old days such puppets were used to perform Tholu Bommalata, a traditional form of shadow puppetry in Andhra performed by itinerant artistes.

You can buy puppets in sizes ranging from one foot to six feet. The main characters from the epics are available along with a range of animals — tigers, snakes, camels and elephants. The puppets are made from goat leather and natural dyes are used.

Dalavai Kullayaapa, with his brothers and 50 artisans, also produces paintings, lampshades, wall hangings and even leather jewellery. The vibrant paintings depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagvata Purana.

Contact: Website: www.nimmalakuntaleatherpuppetrycraft.com Phone: +91 9959309029

Email: puppetry.kp@gmail.com