The production of ceramics in Sicily is a thousand-year-old tradition deeply linked to the history of the territory. A vast repertoire of shapes and colours, which offers a production of unique and refined artistic artefacts.
The shape of the ceramic vases depicting the dark brown head is unique, so widespread that they have become one of the representative symbols of the island. They have the appearance of a male head and are often in the company of female-forged vessels. Expertly crafted, they are very beautiful to look at.
These vases hold a love story, as beautiful as it is sad, set in Palermo.
It is said that, during the Arab domination, a young woman with a passion for a green thumb lived in Kalsa, an ancient district of the city. In fact, he spent most of his time caring for the flowers that grew on his balcony with dedication and love.
It is said that she was very beautiful and graceful, so much so that she attracted the attention of a young dark-haired man who happened to be passing through those parts one fine day. Seeing her and falling in love with her was a moment!
A love at first sight that led him to impetuously declare his uncontainable love for the girl.
What woman would have remained indifferent to such an intense and daring feeling?
No sooner said than done! The two became lovers!
However, in his excitement the man had forgotten to tell his Sicilian beauty that he would soon return to his country... there, his wife and children were waiting for him! It doesn't take long to imagine how the dessert ended up being
girl!
Anger, jealousy and revenge broke into his broken heart. The villain needed to be punished!
Once he had overcome the moment of discouragement, he meditated on the solution to the case.
She thought about it and thought about it... one thing was certain: she would never allow her handsome brunette to leave her!
The night before departure while he, unaware, was in the arms of Morpheus, the woman cut off his head... as well as a breadstick!
What would you have done with the head? She, who had an infinite love for plants, made a vase and planted the fragrant basil in it. Plant of love and passion! Her lover would never leave and she would look after him with such devotion.
The basilicò (as they say in our parts!) grew lush and fragrant. She never tired of admiring it and shedding her bitter tears over it!
The neighbors, fascinated by the beauty of the vase and the luxuriant basil growing in it, wanted one just like it was. Since then, Sicilian ceramists began making ceramic vases with dark brown heads and today it is possible to see them in our homes, silent guardians of a poignant love story.
