Sawantwadi Dancers (Pair)

Rare, hand-painted pair of wooden Sawantwadi dancers from Maharashtra. Sawantwadi wooden dolls are a traditional craft from Sawantwadi, a town in Maharashtra, India. The dolls are known for their intricate carvings and vibrant colours. The tradition is believed to be 200 years old and is thought to have been introduced by the Maratha rulers of Sawantwadi, who encouraged local artisans to create these toys as educational tools and decorative items. The Bhonsle family, the royal family of Sawantwadi, played a significant role in promoting and preserving this craft.