Tirupati Dolls of Andhra

Red sandal wood (red sanders or raktachandan), so called due to its rust-red hue, is used in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh to carve dolls. This wood is resistant to white ants and fire. The dolls are carved in natural finish and are appealing to the eye due to their simplicity and bold carving. The toys are generally miniature reproductions of religious figures in traditional classical poses seen in sculptured works of the region. The dancing figures which are highly ornamented and beautifully chiselled have a remarkable dignity about them and have been worked upon in great detail thus making these dolls unique in style.