The Clay Chronicles from Coimbatore: The Timeless Art of Golu Dolls
In Selvapuram, S Saravana Kumar and his team at Rajavalli Shanmugam Arts are bustling with activity, packing clay golu dolls for the festive season. At 55, Kumar stands as one of the last remaining artisans in Coimbatore, supplying these traditional dolls to local sellers and organizations.
Saravana’s family originates from Puducherry, and his father moved to Coimbatore as a child to learn the art of clay doll-making. They started their craft in a small home in Selvapuram, where his father sourced clay from the Perur tank and handmade dolls, selling about 100 each Navaratri.
Saravana crafts approximately ten thousand dolls each year, primarily from clay, with a selection in paper mache. Utilizing a nearby temporary kiln, he upholds a cherished family tradition in Selvapuram, where only a handful of artisans remain committed to the art of clay. Despite the challenges, clay dolls are favored over lighter alternatives, which he creates for international customers.
Become a Premium Member to access our exclusive contents: https://authindia.com/premium-community-membership/ Saravana makes golu dolls throughout the year, beginning the next batch in October after Navaratri. His team uses molds made of cement and Plaster-of-Paris, starting the firing process in February. Although he supervises the entire production, his main focus is on painting the eyes, as their detail is vital for the doll’s look. He also crafts Ganesha idols for Chaturthi, which are not fired since they’ll be immersed in water later.
Saravana creates dolls ranging from three inches to five feet, serving customers in Coimbatore and areas like Erode, Tiruppur, Thanjavur, and Kerala. While he views his work as art, he appreciates its significance for those who worship the dolls during festivals. “For a creator, this recognition is the ultimate blessing,” he notes, highlighting the connection between artistry and devotion.
Images from: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/meet-coimbatore-artisan-who-makes-clay-golu-dolls/article68684901.ece
