A little bit of history...
Five years ago Abhika has been inspired by the traditional “Moor’s head”, a ceramic vase shaped like a head,
produced in Caltagirone
The handcrafted artwork we are about to introduce is a UNESCO heritage, with a thousand-year tradition,
deeply connected with the history of Sicily. The beauty and the potential of this object, gave our designer team
the chance to customize it in the most perfect “Abhika” style. Beyond the strong esthetic characteristics, the
traditional jar is also the symbol of an antique legend about love and passion, betrayal and jealousy. We want
to deepen and share some knowledge about the origins of this decorative vase, since the ancient story of the
“Moor’s head” may still echo its deeper meaning through our modern lives.
Actually, when facing different points of view, or different cultures and ideas, we can be easily fascinated to cross
the boundaries with two opposite and impulsive reactions: showing an overwhelming sympathy or experiencing
a strong refusal. Read below how the protagonist of the Sicilian legend will be trapped by the first feeling.
Therefore referring to unknown circumstances, whether with a great idealization or profound prejudice, there
could be a high risk of hurtful disappointment or negative consequences coming immediately after. How to
approach situations, and above all how to respond to them, should be the important message to read between
the lines of the following fairytale!
Moor’s Head Vase legend
“Around 1100 A.D., when Sicily was ruled by the Moors, a beautiful Italian girl was living in reclusion and spent
her days cultivating flowers on her balcony. One day a young Moor passing by, saw her and fell immediately
in love. He decided he had to have her and entered the house impetuously to declare his love. The young
girl was really surprised, she never had contacts with any other man before, so she felt loved and desired
for the first time and reciprocated him. After few weeks she got to know him, he had to return to where he
came from, to his wife and children. Her heart was broken, all her expectations destroyed and most of all her
reputation was ruined forever. She felt completely betrayed and mad with anger. She waited for the night to
come and as he fell asleep she cut off his head and used it as a vase for her flowers and put it on her balcony
displaying it to everyone. This way his love was forever hers.
Since then, flowers grew lush in the vase and the neighbours, envious, built vases shaped like a Moor’s head.”
