Dear MEL
Topic Readers,
Kondapalli
toys face modernisation and cheap imports
Did you
have any handcraft toys when you were a child? Have you given one to someone? Though
handcraft toys may not draw children’s attention so much these days, they look
charming to some adults, especially ethnic and colorful ones.
Here in
the southeastern region of India, there is a remote village called Kondapalli where a
group of ethnic minority people dwell. They have been handcrafting these
traditional toys ever since they settled in the place in the 16th century. It
is such a labor-intensive work that the whole family works in each house. All
of them had used only locally obtained natural materials until recently but now
some are using modern glues and paints purchased from other part of the world
because they are more economical and practical.
They are
facing stiff competition with cheap Chinese toys like any other industry. But they
also need to deal with more serious challenge. Their children are moving out of
the village looking for better jobs and different lives. The remaining family
members seem to have no choice but to keep making these toys.
Enjoy
reading and thinking what the life is like to inherit a tradition that is not
going to be inherited.
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