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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

22.5" Wooden Marapachi Pair Dolls | Handmade

$323.25
$431
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

These Wooden Marapachi Pair Dolls are a charming testament to traditional craftsmanship, meticulously handmade with care and precision. Marapachi Dolls are traditional dolls fashioned of Country wood that are shown during the Golu festival in South India as part of the Dasara or Navaratri festivities. These dolls are provided to you by Settigunta, a small town near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Marapachi Bommai roughly means "wooden toys." Marapachi dolls are an essential component of Navaratri Bommai Kolu doll ensembles.

 

With meticulous attention to detail, each doll embodies cultural heritage and artistic finesse. This handmade pair is not merely decorative but also carries the essence of storytelling and cultural symbolism. Standing as a tangible expression of traditional craftsmanship, the Wooden Marapachi Pair Dolls become a delightful representation of India's rich artistic traditions and craftsmanship.

Specifications
ZEQ150
wood
Height: 22.5 inch
Width: 7.5 inch
Depth: 3 inch
Weight 6.30 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Guardians of Tradition: The Marapachi Pair

These exquisite Marapachi dolls, standing at an imposing 22.5 inches, are more than mere decorative objects; they are tangible echoes of South Indian heritage and artistry. Hand-carved from rich, dark wood, each doll embodies a timeless elegance, meticulously shaped by skilled artisans who infuse their creations with generations of tradition. The deep, polished finish of the wood lends a sense of gravitas and history, inviting you to connect with the stories and symbolism they represent.

A Legacy Carved in Wood

The Marapachi doll tradition is deeply intertwined with the cultural fabric of South India, particularly in regions like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Historically, these dolls were not just toys but were central to various rituals and celebrations, most notably during the auspicious festival of Navaratri. The "Bommai Kolu" or "Golu," the festive display of dolls during this period, often features Marapachi pairs, symbolizing the divine feminine and masculine energies, prosperity, and the continuation of family lines. They are believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits, making them cherished possessions in many households.

Artistry and Symbolism

Observe the intricate details that bring these figures to life. The elaborate headdresses, the delicate carvings on their shoulders and chests, and the distinct ornamentation around their waists all speak to a sophisticated aesthetic sensibility. The robust, statuesque forms suggest strength and fertility. The pose of the dolls, often presented as a pair, reinforces themes of companionship, harmony, and the balance of life. Each curve and line of the carving tells a story, reflecting a profound understanding of form and spiritual significance. The bases upon which they stand are also intricately carved, adding to the overall grandeur and stability of these remarkable pieces. They are not merely carved; they are sculpted with a soul, carrying the essence of the wood and the hands that shaped them.

A Timeless Addition to Your Space

These Marapachi dolls are a statement piece that will elevate any home or collection. Their substantial size and commanding presence make them ideal for placement in a prominent spot, such as a living room, study, or entryway. They serve as a constant reminder of the beauty and depth of Indian folk art, bringing a touch of spiritual resonance and cultural richness to your surroundings. Whether you are a collector of ethnic art, a patron of handcrafted treasures, or simply seeking a unique and meaningful decorative item, this Marapachi pair offers an unparalleled blend of artistry, history, and symbolic power. They are a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional craftsmanship in a modern world.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.
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2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.
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3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.
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4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.
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How to care for Wood Statues?


Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

 

  • Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

 

  • Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

 

  • You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

 

  • Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

 

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster. 

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