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The Moor's Heads: History and Meaning

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Posted on: 28/02/2021
By Enrico ticli

The head of moro represents one of best known artifacts, all over the world of Caltagirone ceramics . The Moor's head is an element that is often found in Sicilian culture, finding its roots in the history of the island.

The legend tells that, about a thousand years ago, when Sicily was under Arab rule, a young Moor fell in love with a woman from Palermo.

of her It was love at first sight in fact it was enough for him to see her once to fall madly in love with her and decide to declare his love for her. The young woman, who used to spend a lot of time at home and loved to take care of her aromatic plants on her balcony, eagerly returned the attention of the young dark-haired man.

After a short time, however, when the girl realized that her lover would soon return to Arabia, where a wife was already waiting for him, blinded by jealousy and mad at the idea that the young man could no longer be completely his. killed and cut off his head.

The young Moor's head was then used by the girl to contain a basil plant that the girl grew on her balcony which she watered with her tears. At the sight of the luxuriant basil plant, the neighbors of the girl wanted to place something similar in their own homes.

This is how they themselves made (fake) Moor's heads, thus giving rise to the long tradition that, through the centuries, has come down to us.


The Moor's heads today are widely used as knick-knacks and home furnishings. The shape of the Moor's heads can be reminiscent of vases but, of course, only the larger ones have cavities to house the plants.

The Moor's heads in Caltagirone ceramics are highly appreciated for their refinement, able to bring a touch of light to any environment thanks to the colorful decorations that characterize them and the various representations of the Sicilian flora that often enrich them.

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Tags : Ceramics of caltagirone, The moor's heads
Posted in: Sicilian art and crafts

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  • Shipping to Canada ?
    By : Rosaire Lanctôt On 02/04/2022
    Rating:
    5.0

    Canada is not in the shipping country selector

    Replied by : Enrico Ticli On 02/04/2022 I confirm that we can ship the Caltagirone ceramic Moor heads to Canada. Have a nice day and thank you for your contact

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