Cow dung toys

Cow dung toys from Odisha represent a unique traditional Indian craft that transforms an everyday agricultural byproduct into playful, eco-friendly objects. In a landscape dominated by plastic toys, artisan families in Odisha continue a decades-old tradition of making figurines and dolls from cow dung, including animal masks and mythological characters.

The origins of this craft date to the early 20th century, when local communities—mainly women from artisan families—sought affordable alternatives to wooden and metal toys. Cow dung, valued for its sacred and antiseptic properties in Indian culture, became the preferred material. The tradition is passed down through generations, with families actively practicing and teaching the craft. These toys are especially significant during local rituals and festivals, with figures of Lord Jagannath and his companions being particularly popular.

Artisans begin by collecting fresh cow dung from nearby sources. They mix it with tamarind seed paste, which acts as a natural binder, and hand-mold the mixture into shapes such as birds, elephants, and kings. The toys are sun-dried to harden, then painted with watercolors using simple brushes called tulli. Each toy requires several hours of work, and the entire process from molding to painting is completed in three to four days.

Today, the craft survives among a small group of families in Odisha, with both men and women involved in production. The toys are sold at local markets, exhibitions, and to tourists. Artisans also make vegetable-shaped toys for school projects, and some in other regions have adapted the technique for larger artefacts and religious idols, showing the material’s versatility.

Cow dung toys stand out for their organic composition, low cost, and minimal environmental impact. Their simple designs and bright colors appeal to children and folk art collectors, while their biodegradable materials make them a sustainable alternative to mass-produced plastic toys.