Andhra Pradesh Leather Puppetry
Tholu bommalata is the shadow puppet dance show tradition of India. This ancient custom, which for centuries afore radio, film, and television delivered knowledge of Hindu mythology, epics and regional folk tales. Three kinds of skins have been used to manufacture these leather dolls antelope, spotted deer and scapegoat. Antelope shells are dedicated for fabricating a restricted piece of bright characters, such as the deities. Deer skin, remarked for its potency and defiance to rough going, is used for the fighters like: Bhima and the ten- headed king Ravana. All other puppets are commonly made from scapegoat skin, easily obtainable locally. Most dolls are made from a single skin, though some require more.
