The Enchanting Legend Behind Sicily's Moorish Heads

If you're visiting Sicily, you'll undoubtedly encounter the charming, hand-painted ceramic vases everywhere, typically featuring the classic design of male or female heads, commonly referred to as "Sicilian Moorish Heads."

These iconic creations, emblematic of Sicilian ceramic tradition, hold a captivating legend as their origin. During the era of Moorish domination in Sicily, a period when the island was under Muslim rule, a captivating tale unfolds in an Arab quarter of Palermo. In this neighborhood, resided a breathtaking young maiden, confined to a gilded prison of her own home, unable to step outside. Her sole connection to the outside world was tending to the plants flourishing on her balcony.

One fateful day, a young Moorish man happened upon the blooming balcony of the maiden, instantly falling deeply in love with her. He passionately professed his love, and the young maiden, moved by the sincerity of his affection, reciprocated his feelings, granting him entry into her abode.

However, the young Moorish man, despite surrendering to his passion for the enchanting maiden, had a wife and children awaiting him in the East. Crestfallen and betrayed by what she thought was her great love, the maiden plotted her revenge. In the cover of night, as her Moorish love lay defenseless in slumber, she took his life, preserving his head to ensure he could never return to his family, forever remaining with her.

Not content with just this, she placed the head on her balcony and planted within it a basil seed, tending to it tirelessly with her tears, causing the plant to flourish and thrive. The neighbors, enraptured by the scent of basil and envious of the plant's vigor growing within the unique vase shaped like the head of her beloved, commissioned terracotta vases replicating the same features as the one lovingly cherished by the maiden.

This charming legend beautifully weaves the origins of the famous "Teste di Moro" vases, becoming a symbol of both Sicilian ceramic craftsmanship and the power of a love that endured even beyond the boundaries of life and death. The fragrance of basil in the air and the artistic allure of these vases encapsulate the essence of Sicilian tradition and storytelling. When you encounter these distinctive Moorish Heads, you'll be experiencing a piece of Sicilian history and the romantic legend that breathes life into each hand-painted masterpiece.