Thanjavur Doll

The Thanjavur Doll, or thalayatti bommai, is a hand-made bobble-head figure from Thanjavur, weighted at the base so that its head and torso nod and sway gently for a long time at the lightest touch. Traditionally crafted from terracotta, plaster of Paris or papier-mâché and then brightly painted, the doll usually depicts a dancing woman, a king and queen or a temple deity in colourful traditional dress. The nodding effect is achieved by an ingenious rounded, weighted base and a loosely balanced head, a clever bit of folk engineering perfected by local artisans. The dolls are a beloved part of the Navaratri golu display and are given as auspicious gifts and souvenirs. The craft supports artisan families in Thanjavur and has become an instantly recognisable symbol of Tamil folk toy-making.