Santa Claus comes as Thanjavur dolls'

THANJAVUR: The famous ‘Thanjavur dolls’ in the form of Santa Claus have come for sale here ahead of Christmas. ‘Thanjavur dolls’ are normally made in pairs in the forms of King and Queen. 

In a handicraft improvisation this year, Santa Claus are now seen in the medium of 'Thanjavur dolls' and are on display at the New Year exhibition at Poompuhar showroom in the town. 

“Santa claus dolls are a big hit. We got 95 dolls from our artisan Boopathy. We have so far sold 70 of them. A doll is priced at Rs 120 (one doll). A pair of Thanjavur dolls (King and Queen) cost Rs 90. But this being a special doll, also big in size, is priced at Rs 120 per doll,”said K. Arun, manager, Poompuhar Show room.

Jayakar Pandian, a Christian doctor said that he purchased the dolls and gifted them to his friends. Children are happy to see them and use them, he said. 

Boopathy of Mariammankoil, an artisan who is traditionally producing ‘Thanjavur dolls’said, “as the trade is dwindling, we try various marketing strategies to keep up sales. Now only four artisans are making these dolls in Thanjavur and survival of the art will depend upon patronage from people.” 

Thanjavur dolls are unique this place with a quality of bouncing back whichever side they are pushed, as they have a circular base. They are popularly called ‘Thanjavur Tahalayatti Bommai (yea-saying dolls)’. 

Thanjavur doll has got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag-a sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin.

 The GI tag ensures that none other than those registered as authorised users (or at least those residing inside the geographical territory) are allowed to use the popular product name.

Arun said that Poompuhar sells products made by tribal people through the Tribes Board. 

The products include jute dolls, ornamental lamps, wall hangers, etc. A Thiruvalluvar icon made of panchaloha for a height of five inches is also available with Poompuhar. The Tamil Nadu government has ordered that schools should display the icons of the great Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar.