The ancient and rich tradition of Sicilian folklore reflects the varied influences of the cultures which occupied the island over time.  In the 11^th century, the Arab Muslims ruled Sicily.  The most famous legend of that period of history which became part of folkloric tradition recounts the story of a beautiful young maiden who lived in the Arab Quarter of Palermo.  The shy young girl loved caring for the flowers in the vases on her balcony at her small home.  One day, a handsome Moor passed by her home and fell in love with her.  She fell in love with him as well, but, he did not tell her that he had a wife and children in his homeland of the Orient where he would soon return.

When the girl discovered the truth, she was so furious and humiliated that she decapitated the man while he was sleeping so he could never leave Sicily.  She put his head on her terrace, turning it into a vase and planting a seed of basil in it.  The herb grew strong and was watered by the tears of the girl every day.  The neighbors of the maiden were impressed by the delicious scent of the basil, and they created their own terracotta vases to resemble the heads of the Moor and the maiden in order to grow their own herbs and flowers.

From that time, the fashion of making ceramic Moor and maiden heads spread throughout Sicily and Italy in general.  Moor and maiden heads became symbols of fertility and eternal love – a love in which two people can be together forever.  These heads have become a feature of many terraces and gardens throughout Italy.  Typically these heads feature richly decorated Moorish wedding turbans.  Fabrics with elaborate designs adorned with succulent fruits symbolizing fertility and growth – all rendered in glazed ceramic –  characterize these turbans.  Also, both the male and female heads are usually adorned with crowns.  These crowns are a visual metaphor for the power of love to elevate man and woman to a regal standing.

The most important place of production of these heads is at Caltagirone, Sicily, which has been a center for excellence in the production of fine ceramics for hundreds of years.  Our maiden head featured here is a particularly beautiful and highly detailed example.  It was hand sculpted, fired in a handmade kiln, hand painted and then fired once again in the same kiln by the most important and talented ceramicist in Caltagirone.  This artisan produces singularly beautiful pieces of exceptional complexity and emotional expression.

The bust may be used as a container to display plants or fruit.

Various shades of blue/hand-painted, hand sculpted ceramic