Destination
Calabrian Handcraft
An art handed down through the generations
Calabrian handcraft is a part of its history, its traditions, and the natural environment. Ancient techniques used in the manufacturing of natural products can still be found in some areas of the province of Reggio Calabria.
Ceramics
A characteristic of Calabrian ceramics is the frequent use of symbolism, of apotropaic images, and of magical rites all coming from the Magna Graecia. The earthenware found in Roccella, both coarse and linear, was very important artistically speaking. “Pinakes”, votive tiles offered to the goddess Persephone, were made in Gerace, as well as small statues and various objects made of clay. The craftsmanship in Seminara was of high quality; here the objects were painted in green-blue and orange-yellow hues. Masks inspired by the Greek theatre, fish-shaped kegs, and the anthropomorphic bottles called “ciambelle” and “babbaluti” were well-known.
Wood
Products made of wood were common in peasant and rural life. The shepherds of the Greek area produced tools such as forms for ricotta cheese and pastries, spoons and distaffs. The high quality of the Calabrian wood, the manual work and the inventive of its craftsmen have made the musical instruments used by the lute makers, the boats built by the “axe masters”, especially in Bagnara, and the pipes made from heather roots unique. Of great interest we must also include work carried out in the field of erbanisteria, engraving, inlaying, and sculpturing.
The snuff-boxes made from bergamot peel are very original, and ornamental baskets are made from wicker.
Weaving
Working with broom on antique looms to make blankets is a part of the tradition in the Greek area. In the smaller towns of the province “pezzare” are used to make rugs, tablecloths and bedspreads from cascades of cloth.
Calabrian handcraft is a part of its history, its traditions, and the natural environment. Ancient techniques used in the manufacturing of natural products can still be found in some areas of the province of Reggio Calabria.
Ceramics
A characteristic of Calabrian ceramics is the frequent use of symbolism, of apotropaic images, and of magical rites all coming from the Magna Graecia. The earthenware found in Roccella, both coarse and linear, was very important artistically speaking. “Pinakes”, votive tiles offered to the goddess Persephone, were made in Gerace, as well as small statues and various objects made of clay. The craftsmanship in Seminara was of high quality; here the objects were painted in green-blue and orange-yellow hues. Masks inspired by the Greek theatre, fish-shaped kegs, and the anthropomorphic bottles called “ciambelle” and “babbaluti” were well-known.
Wood
Products made of wood were common in peasant and rural life. The shepherds of the Greek area produced tools such as forms for ricotta cheese and pastries, spoons and distaffs. The high quality of the Calabrian wood, the manual work and the inventive of its craftsmen have made the musical instruments used by the lute makers, the boats built by the “axe masters”, especially in Bagnara, and the pipes made from heather roots unique. Of great interest we must also include work carried out in the field of erbanisteria, engraving, inlaying, and sculpturing.
The snuff-boxes made from bergamot peel are very original, and ornamental baskets are made from wicker.
Weaving
Working with broom on antique looms to make blankets is a part of the tradition in the Greek area. In the smaller towns of the province “pezzare” are used to make rugs, tablecloths and bedspreads from cascades of cloth.
