Caltagirone Sicilia, pair of anthropomorphic ‘Moor's Head' planters, polychrome ceramics, mid 20th c.
Made in clay (and painted) by hand under a glaze, they appear to have been fired in the raku technique (surface crackling).
These vases or anthropomorphic sculptures represent Moorish heads and appear to date from the mid-20th century.
In good condition.
Male: 39 x 33 x 30cm
Woman: 39 x 28 x 26cm
- Issuer / Manufacturer:CALTAGIRONE.
- Stamp / Label:Yes.
- Period:20th Century.
- Country of Origin:Sicily.
- Dimensions (H x W x D):39cm x 33cm x 30cm.
- Weight:10 Kg.
- Number of components:2.
- Condition:Excellent.
- Style:Art brut, Other style.
- Material:Ceramic.
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Price:1450 €
The tradition of ‘Teste di Moro' (Moor's heads) in Sicily is an emblematic element of Sicilian craftsmanship, particularly famous in the ceramics of Caltagirone. These vases are shaped like human heads, often used for plants, and generally depict the faces of Moors (or ‘Mori' in Italian) and young Sicilian women. They are associated with a dramatic and passionate legend that is said to have taken place in medieval times, when Sicily was under Arab influence.
The legend of the ‘Teste di Moro':
According to the legend, a beautiful young Sicilian woman lived in the Arab quarter of Palermo. One day, a young Moor (a man of Arab or Berber origin) walked past her house and immediately fell in love with her beauty. Seduced, the young woman accepted his love. But she soon discovered that the man was married and had to return home to his family.
Devastated by the betrayal and the fear of losing her love, in a fit of rage she killed her lover in his sleep and cut off his head. She then turned the head into a pot, filled it with earth and planted it with basil. The basil, well fed and exposed to the sun, flourished and attracted the attention of the neighbours. Jealous of the beauty of the plant and the pot, the locals began making their own pots in the shape of human heads.
The Teste di Moro has come to symbolise passion, jealousy, betrayal and attachment to Sicily. They have become a symbol of Sicilian folklore, often seen as a representation of multicultural Sicily and its complex history marked by Norman, Arab, Byzantine and Spanish influences.
Characteristics of ‘Teste di Moro':
- The pots usually depict two distinct faces: a man, often with Moorish features (turban, beard or moustache), and a Sicilian woman with more European features and an ornate headdress (scultura ‘Testa di re moresco' vaso fioriera antropomorfo in ceramica maiolica faenza).
- They are richly decorated with jewels, crowns and bright colours, typical of Sicilian craftsmanship.
- Pots are often made from ceramic, particularly in Caltagirone, a town renowned for its ceramic production over the centuries.
Today, Teste di Moro are prized decorative objects, symbolising traditional Sicilian art and history. They are often used as pots for plants, particularly basil in homage to the legend, or as ornamental pieces in homes.
Postage and packing:
Collection:Free.
Delivery in Belgium: 50€.
Delivery in France: 80€.
Delivery in Europe: 120€.
Delivery in the rest of the world: 350€.