The town of Wooden toys

What is the news?

Recently, a Welfare Association of wooden toymakers named Ambasamudram Bharani Mara Varna Kadasal Artisans has applied for the Geographical Indications tag for  Choppu Samaan.

What is Choppu Samaan?

It is a traditional toy for kids. It is a kitchen set that is made up of fine wood with polished edges. Furthermore, it is painted with harmless natural colours, so it is safe for children. Originally, artists used teak and rosewood, but now there is more use of eucalyptus and rubberwood.

How it is made?

The wood is seasoned by the method of air drying. It is then cut into smaller cylinders to fit onto a lathe (machine for shaping wood). The toys are shaped on that lathe with standard carpentry tools. After manufacturing, the products are either lacquered on a wooden lathe or simply painted with colours. Lacquer is prepared by mixing lac with pigments. Screw-pine leaves are used to polish the finished toys. These are also known as Kadasal toys.

What is a GI tag?

A GI tag is a sign used on goods that have a specific Geographical Indications origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are specific to that origin.

The tag can be awarded for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine, handicrafts, and industrial products.

A GI tag is a part of the intellectual property rights that comes under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. Once a product is accorded a GI tag, it is protected by various legislations, such as legislations by the World Intellectual Property Organization(WIPO).

Source: This post is based on the article “The town of Wooden toys” published in Livemint on 18th September 2021.