Thollu Bommalatta Art/Craft

History & Origin:

Tholu Bommalatta is a traditional shadow puppetry art form from Andhra Pradesh, India. The term translates to "leather puppet dance" in Telugu. This 2,200-year-old craft was originally used to narrate epic stories through shadow play, where intricately designed leather puppets were manipulated behind a white screen illuminated by oil lamps. The performances were deeply linked to temple festivals and community gatherings, often taking place during Shivratri and other religious occasions.

During colonial rule, the British suspected Tholu Bommalatta performers of spying for local kings under the guise of travelling puppet shows, leading to their displacement from the Sahyadri Hills to Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Over time, many settled in Nimmalakunta, Andhra Pradesh, where the craft is still practiced today. The art form was once a primary livelihood, with entire families engaged in puppet-making while male members travelled across villages conducting performances.

Although its popularity declined with modern entertainment, efforts by institutions like Sangeet Natak Akademi and government initiatives have helped in its revival. Today, Tholu Bommalatta puppetry is performed at cultural festivals, private events, and for educational and awareness campaigns on issues like water conservation and vaccination.

How It Is Made:

The process of making a Tholu Bommalatta puppet is highly intricate, requiring great craftsmanship and patience:

Leather Preparation: Puppets are traditionally made from goat hide or deer skin, which is processed by soaking, drying, and treating with oils to enhance durability and flexibility.
Carving & Piercing: The designs are hand-carved onto the leather using sharp chisels. Tiny perforations are added to allow light to pass through, creating a glowing effect during performances.
Painting & Decoration: The puppets are hand-painted with natural dyes, creating bright, translucent colours.
Joint Assembly: Various body parts of the puppets—head, arms, legs—are connected with thin leather strips, allowing movement.
Control Mechanism: Wooden or bamboo sticks are attached to the puppets, enabling performers to manipulate them behind the screen.

An important ritual in puppet-making is that facial features are carved last, just before the puppet’s first performance, as it symbolizes giving life to the character.

Materials Used:

Primary Material: Goat hide, deer skin
Tools: Chisels, hammers, knives for carving
Colours: Natural vegetable dyes, acrylic paints

Additional Elements: Bamboo sticks for manipulation, and perforations for light effects.

Unique Features:

Shadow Play with Colored Puppets: Unlike traditional monochrome shadow puppetry, Tholu Bommalatta puppets are vibrantly colored, producing a stunning effect when illuminated.
Large Puppets: These puppets can range from 15 inches to 6 feet in height, filling the screen with detailed figures.
Cultural Symbolism: Many puppets bear sacred tilak marks, particularly the U-shaped symbol with a tulsi leaf, signifying the presence of divinity.
Interactive Storytelling: Performances involve music, narration, and multiple puppeteers, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.
Traditional to Contemporary Evolution: While earlier performances were solely based on epic tales, modern adaptations include themes on social awareness and decorative arts.

Products:

While traditional Tholu Bommalatta puppets were used exclusively for performances, artisans have now diversified into creating:

Wall Hangings – Leather puppets framed for decorative use.
Lampshades – Crafted from painted leather, allowing light to filter through the intricate cutwork.
Room Partitions – Leather panels with perforated designs used as artistic partitions.
Jewelry & Accessories – Earrings, pendants, and decorative items made from treated leather.
Household Decor – Leather puppetry elements incorporated into modern interiors.

These products are sold through government-run handicraft stores like Lepakshi Handicrafts, exhibitions, and private retailers, helping artisans sustain their craft in contemporary markets.