Anthropologists such as have documented how toys act as “social scripts.” In Andhra, the puku bommalu offered a rehearsal space for girls to practice domestic roles—cooking, caring for children, arranging a marriage procession—through imaginative play. Such rehearsals cemented the notion that a woman’s primary sphere was the home, a belief that persisted well into the 20th century.
Museums such as the have digitized their collections, creating interactive virtual exhibits where users can rotate 3‑D models of historic dolls, explore their stitching patterns, and listen to recorded oral histories from the artisans. This digital archiving safeguards knowledge that might otherwise be lost as older generations retire. Andhra Ammai Puku Bommalu
Andhra Ammai Puku Bommalu puppets are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, who use a combination of wood, cloth, and metal to bring these characters to life. The puppets are typically made from a single piece of wood, with intricately carved faces and bodies adorned with colorful fabrics and ornaments. The craftsmanship involved in creating these puppets is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage. Anthropologists such as have documented how toys act