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What are the ceramic heads in Sicily called?
1 Answer

The ceramic head vases in Sicily are known as Moor’s heads or “teste di moro”, based on a famous legend of tragic love. They come in pairs — one is the head of a man and the other of a woman. Shop a collection of antique and contemporary “teste di moro” from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Sicilian Head on 1stDibs
1930s Traditional Hand-Crafted Terracotta Sicilian Head of Moro Vase
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This exceptional 1930s traditional Sicilian Teste di Moro vase is a remarkable testament to rustic sicilian folk art, completely hand-crafted from raw, unglazed terracotta. Departing...
Category
Mid-20th Century Sicilian Folk Art Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
Materials
Terracotta
A Late 19th century Hand Crafted Clay Sicilian Head of a Young Man
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A black painted clay head handcrafted in Sicily in the late 19th century, the head it's in original condition and shows signs of aging, which contribute to their charm and authentici...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Sicilian Neoclassical Revival Figurative Sculp...
Materials
Iron
Pair of Sicilian Painted glazed ceramic Catagirone heads, circa 1950, Italy
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of Sicilian heads, circa 1950
Italian School
Italy, 1950
Painted glazed ceramic.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture Emilia Head by Vanessa Semaino
By Rossana Orlandi
Located in Milan, IT
The traditional turban of the Moorish Sicilian heads seamlessly blends with the integrated headphones, symbols of passion and soul.
Category
2010s Italian Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture Noemi Head by Vanessa Semaino
By Rossana Orlandi
Located in Milan, IT
The crown she wears, a typical feature of Moor’s Sicilian heads, is decorated with large blue stars that characterize her and make her even more playful, emphasizing Noemi’s fun, ind...
Category
2010s Italian Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture Angela Head by Vanessa Semaino
By Vanessa Semaino, Rossana Orlandi
Located in Milan, IT
Her youth is further highlighted by transforming the classic turban, traditionally worn by the Moor’s Sicilian heads, into a cap adorned with the colors and patterns reminiscent of a...
Category
2010s Italian Busts
Materials
Ceramic, Clay


