Mid Century South India Wood Dolls Pair Set of Two Indian Hand Carved Vintage Antique

This is a pair of Marapachi Bommais, which literally translates to ‘wooden dolls’.
The original ‘Ken and Barbie’ hand carved out of wood.

Marapachi Dolls are an important part of South Indian culture and rituals. Traditionally made of red sandalwood, silk-cotton-wood or red wood, they are displayed during the Golu Festival which is a part of Dussehra and Navratri celebrations.
Generally made in male-female pairs, they are often playthings that children dress up and are also symbolic gifts during marriages.
This pair of old Marapachi dolls from Kalahasthi in Andhra Pradesh is exquisitely crafted and features intricately carved details.
Chalk marks to base to keep the pairs together forever