Tholu Bommalata, the leather puppet theatre found in Andhra Pradesh, is a unique tangible and intangible cultural tradition of the nation. They are crafted from translucent goatskin.
What is Tholu Bommalata Art?
When experiencing Tholu Bommalata puppetry, one cannot miss the popular depictions of episodes from the epic tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Subjects in Tholu Bommalata
A large white cloth, usually measuring 12x9 ft and illuminated from behind by a bulb or oil lamp, serves as the screen. Both sides of the puppet are skillfully painted to enhance its projection.
Shadow Puppetry
The traditional process of crafting shadow puppets is meticulous, taking around 30-40 days. The hide is soaked in cold water, then washed and dried in the sun. Once prepared, the artists cut the leather to size.
Making a Tholu Bommalata Puppet
The goat hide undergoes a laborious process of curing, washing, and cleaning to transform it into a translucent parchment. Following this, the outlines of the puppet figures are carefully marked.
Next, the Tholu Bommalata puppet figures are outlined using blank ink, while bamboo pens are employed to add finer details. Vibrant colours like red, green, and ochre are applied using ink as a colouring agent.