Leather Puppets and Lamp Shades Made by an Artisan from Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh

Personal Details

Hi! I am a leather puppets & lamp shades artisan/manufacturer. I was born in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. My father is a state award winner in leather craft.

Leather Puppets Making Skills

Leather puppetry is our ancestral art and in our village, many people make leather crafts. I learned the art of making leather puppets from my father. Now, I make leather puppets, lampshades, clocks, and paintings. I also organize leather puppet shows called Tholu Bommalata. Various scenes from Mahabharata, Ramayana, and other folk tales are depicted in these puppet shows.

Leather Puppets Making Process

First of all, goat leather is washed with hot water. It is then dried in the sun. When it is completely dry, the process of sketching is done on it. Then the natural colors are filled in as per the required design. Holes are made in it so that light can pass through them.

Benefits

Leather craft is the traditional art of India. The leather products made by us can be used for home decoration. These products beautify homes and offices.

Specialization

My expertise is in making leather puppets, lampshades, paintings, and wall hangings.

Experience

I have 30 years of experience in making leather crafts.

Participation in Exhibitions

I have displayed my products in government exhibitions like Dilli Haat (New Delhi) and Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Faridabad). I have also participated in private exhibitions across India.

I have also participated in foreign exhibitions through DCH in Argentina, Israel, Budapest, and Singapore.

Awards

I was awarded the National Award in the year 2006 for my leather handicraft work.

Training Programmes Conducted

I have trained people in leather puppet craft in the year 2013 under the Guru Shishya Parampara program organized by DCH.

Future Plans

I want to expand my business in the future. I also want to sell my products all over the world.