Assam-based Kirat Brahma left his decade-long profession as an animation designer and returned residence to symbolize his neighborhood via Zankla Studio. It makes eco-friendly tender toys that inform tales deeply rooted within the native tradition and traditions of the Bodo neighborhood.
Rising up in a small village situated between the border of India and Bhutan in Assam’s Baksa District, Kirat Brahma’s childhood was filled with folklore and tribal tales.
“These tales have been part of my childhood and plenty of others in my neighborhood. Nonetheless, the present technology is lacking out on them as they eat a lot content material on-line and on tv,” Kirat tells The Higher India.
After finishing his commencement from the Nationwide Institute of Design (NID), Kirat began to work as an animation designer. “I labored within the business for greater than a decade for shoppers all around the nation. I cherished experimenting with design and varied points of animation, however deep down, I all the time longed for residence,” says the 32-year-old.
As Kirat lived in varied components of the nation, he grew to become extra conscious of the discrimination and lack of understanding regarding individuals from the Northeastern states. By 2020, when the pandemic hit, Kirat had made up his thoughts to return residence and begin in search of concepts.
“I needed to create a product that highlights our tradition to the upcoming generations. I additionally needed to open a complete new world for individuals not conscious of the Bodo tradition. What could possibly be a greater manner of introducing youngsters and folks to my tradition than with tender toys?” he says.
So he began Zankla Studio in 2021 with the goal of showcasing the wealthy tradition of the Bodo Tribe. The studio creates handmade plastic-free tender toys that narrate tales deeply linked to the native tradition and traditions of the Bodo neighborhood.
“Once I was rising up, I didn’t have toys that represented individuals like me and others from my neighborhood. The markets are flooded with Spiderman, Mickey Mouse and Barbie dolls. So I needed to create one thing to unfold consciousness amongst individuals concerning the existence of Northeastern communities,” he notes.
Every toy created at Zankla Studio carries a story native to the tribe or is a illustration of a distinguished particular person from the tribe, resembling Ada Lowdoom — a Bodo traveller, Bodo Jwhwlao — a standard Bodo fighter, Gowdang Rani — a Bodo princess.
It comes with a pamphlet containing the story or story of the fictional or actual character that the toy relies on, explains Kirat. “The only real goal of those toys is to generate dialog amongst individuals concerning the neighborhood. Lots of analysis and thought is put into creating every toy. We’ve so many misplaced tales and characters from folklore. We create our toys based mostly on them,” he says.
“As an example, now we have Gowdang Rani — the complete moon queen who holds loads of significance for the individuals of the Bodo neighborhood. Every time there’s a conflict or some unhappy event, she is believed to go to her individuals to encourage them. Then there’s Gambari Sikla, who made historic contributions, resembling combating in opposition to each the Bhutanese and British,” he provides.
“The toys appear like us and are wearing conventional garments, just like the genuine Assamese saree, together with conventional equipment, swords and so on. The apparel could be modified. All of the toys are handmade and plastic free. We additionally make tender toys of animals resembling wild buffalo and fish, as they’ve an important significance to the individuals of the neighborhood,” he shares.
Handmade, plastic-free toys that inform tales
Kirat says that each one the supplies used to create these toys are sourced from native markets.
“The native economic system wants increase; my neighborhood’s youth wouldn’t have many alternatives. They both go away the village and transfer to cities or be part of the Military. I attempt to make use of as many artisans from the neighborhood itself to supply them with a piece alternative,” he says.
He says they’ve offered round 100 toys to this point. Every toy is normally priced wherever between Rs 800 to Rs 3,000 relying on the work concerned. They’re additionally engaged on including extra classes. “The individuals obtain our toys with loads of love,” he remarks.
He additional shares that the true check of the toys got here when he obtained an order from a 90-year-old lady from Mumbai. “It was her ninetieth birthday and she or he needed to present one thing to her associates. She had examine me and was curious to see the merchandise. I used to be delighted as a girl sitting in another a part of the nation was displaying curiosity in my product,” he says.
“I’ve been to the realm and knew a bit concerning the ladies, the attires, and their tradition. Whereas I used to be in search of some concepts for the presents I discovered Zankla Studio and was very impressed. I ordered 50 small birds for my friends and a pair of dolls for my niece’s daughter. The standard of the merchandise is nice, however what makes them particular is the message behind them. The dolls had been sporting sarees and their conventional gamochas (conventional Assamese clothes) which made them an important hit,” says Neela D’Souza.
Speaking concerning the toys, Vibha Kamat, Neela’s daughter-in-law says, “The toys actually open up a complete new world for the kids. My mother-in-law’s niece’s daughter had loads of questions on why the doll was dressed a sure manner, or the place she is from. This launched her to a complete new tribe and neighborhood that resides on the opposite facet of the nation.”
As for future plans, Kirat says, “I want to rent extra artisans, therefore present extra employment alternatives to the individuals of my tribe. To me, that is greater than only a enterprise; it’s my likelihood so as to add worth to my neighborhood and showcase it to the world.”
Kirat’s toys can be found for buy on his web site and his official Instagram deal with @zankla_studio.
Edited by Pranita Bhat