Everyone knows a Barbie. But what is this Barbie of Tanjavur? Any Guess…Hmmm… Oh yes.. I am referring to the “Tanajvur thalai atti bommai”, which in English means the waggle-headed dancing doll of Tanjavur . It dances to the tune of the breeze or a soft touch. Your spirit will uplift when you watch it dancing.
Most of you barring those belonging to the state of Tamil Nadu are unaware of this doll. Beautifully structured, the doll’s head, torso, bottom and the pedestal are pre-fabricated for easy assembling. These dolls are beautifully painted with contrasting colours. It is a great delight for the beholder to watch it dancing to the gentle touch of the breeze.
In Tamil Nadu people use the term “thalai atti bommai” to tease the obedient husbands who dances to the tune of their wife.
The time-honoured practise was to make these dolls out of terracotta clay. But of late, these craftsmen make it with papier mache, of course with a proportionate mix of terracotta clay. Thus unlike the Barbie, the Tanjavur doll is eco friendly.
The thalai attai bommai that are sold under a thatched roof on the streets of Tanjavur is cheaper and greener than a Barbie doll which finds its place only in the cabinets of the hypermarkets. Its price ranges from 150 to 800 Indian bucks depending on its size and finishing. Whereas you could bargain it even at a cheaper price. Surprisingly it has got an export market of its own.
It is thalai atti bommai which fascinated me and dragged all the way from Ariyalur to Tanjavur roughly 40 kms, to purchase one doll. If you anytime happen to visit Tanjavur or to its vicinity then I urge, you should buy at least once piece. You could decorate living room or could gift it to the loved one.
According to the words of Madam Mary Schmich “Barbie is just a doll”. Whereas the Barbie of our Tanjavur is a dancing doll.
Chinam Abhishek Patra
Mob No: +91 99403 39997
Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd.,
S.F.No.630, Thamaraikulam Village,
Ariyalur Dist, Tamil Nadu.
PIN:621 705
Thanks for the info abhishek, i stay in bangalore i really had no idea wats d cost and wer i'll be getting this. Planning to travel to Tanjavur just to buy this doll to present my girl friend.
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