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Copper and Iron |
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One of the most interesting expressions of craftsmanship in Abruzzo is the intricate work of the coppersmiths and blacksmiths. The handiwork of master smiths can simply be found everywhere in the historical center of any town or village in this region. The lamp-posts, gates, railings, balconies adorn and characterize the quaint streets and alleyways of mountain villages. If you visit one of the dozens of craft shops in Guardiagrele the "city of stone" as described by D’Annunzio, located on the eastern slope of Mt. Maiella, you will simply be enchanted by the blacksmiths working their iron the old way--heated over hot coal and forged into the most imaginative shapes by hammering it on an anvil. Guardiagrele is also a must if you are interested in discovering some of the other traditional crafts, such as gold and silver jewellery and other objects. This refined art claims its forefather in Nicola da Guardiagrele, an eclectic goldsmith and sculptor who lived between the 12th and 13th centuries. The annual Abruzzese art and crafts exposition and market can give you a great chance to admire and buy the stupendous masterpieces created by our artisans. |
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Ceramics |
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Ceramics is another traditional activity in many towns and villages in Abruzzo, from the Gran Sasso to the Maiella. One of the most famous places is Castelli, a small village nestled at the foot of Mt. Camicia, on the northern slope of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga. Castelli is known as the most important centre for the production of artistic ceramics and tiles. Since the end of the 13th century, these splendid objects, fruit of the talent of great artisans, have been on the most important museum and craft show circuits all over the world. That is why Castelli ceramics are considered one of the most prestigious names in the field. In the 14th century, master craftsmen from this mountain village developed a technique known as "pentacromia" (5 colours), which soon became a method which spurred this art into its golden age. The most famous Castelli masters are: Ponpei, Lollo, Grue, Gentili, Cappelletti, Fuina. In many cases we are looking at several generations of artisans who passed the art down from father to son. Between the 15th and 16th centuries, Castelli ceramic art reached its highest expression with the works of Carlo Antonio Grue. A wondrous example of his work is the ceiling of the little country church of San Donato, decorated with over 800 ceramic tiles. The objects produced in the artisans boutiques in Castelli can be easily recognized by the typical colors utilized: yellow, green, blue, orange and manganese brown. The decorations reproduce and interpret many different subjects: flowers, plants, landscapes, the sun, moon, coats of arms, icons etc. There is a famous expo and market in August, which covers the entire village centre of Castelli. Castelli’s unique fame, due to the high cultural and artistic level of the work, is supplemented by the valid contribution of other regional centres with the same artistic passion: Loreto Aprutino, Penne, Lanciano, Civitella Roveto, Spoltore and Nocella di Campli. |
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FABRICS |
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Lace and needlework, tapestry and carpets These crafts are traditionally the handiwork of Abruzzese women from Scanno, Pescocostanzo, Taranta Peligna, Castel di Sangro, Fara San Martino, Lanciano, Bucchianico, Sulmona, Castel del Monte, Pietracamela, Nereto and Penne, and have earned the admiration of connoisseurs everywhere. One of the famous crafts is the "tarante", a heavy, colorful woollen blanket which is just as perfect on the front as on the reverse side. These are hand woven by artisans in Taranta Peligna, a small mountain village located near the Grotta del Cavallone in the Maiella National Park. Tradition says that this art began in the middle ages and determined the development of this small town, which was situated along of the famous "tratturo" Magno, the sheep trail close to the via della lana which joined Naples and Florence through the Appenines. The designs used on these blankets often have a mid-east or Caucasian flair, and they were considered among the best products on the European market. The traditional reverence for St. Blaise, the patron Saint and woolworkers is deeply rooted in the people of Taranta Peligna. Apparently he was martyred with wool shearing tool. The traditional religious and folkloristic feast is still celebrated on February 3 by the people of this town, with the woolworkers being the main organizers. It is said that St. Blaise was born and raised in Armenia: in fact much of the folklore (bread, design and symbols found on the blankets and tablecloths) regarding this festivity find their inspiration in this ancient oriental civilization. |
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STONEWORK |
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Since ancient times, man and the mountain have had to learn to live together in harmony in Abruzzo, especially on the slopes of the Maiella, the "mother mountain". A sign of this co-existence can be found in the development of the mining and sculpting of stone from this mountain. A soft, ductile white stone and a more compact, resistant black stone, which lends itself to being smooted down and polished. These raw materials form the basis of the beautiful creations of the sculptors of Lettomanoppello and its immediate surroundings. Sculpting stone is an activity which involves many people in the foothills of the Maiella. A heritage of culture, art history and tradition of this area is expressed in the works created by these fine artisans. Since Roman times, the Abruzzese masters have been sculpting local white stone to decorate churches and buildings with sculptures, monuments, etc. The stoneworkers from Lettomanoppello have been handing down this art from generation to generation since the 1700’s, and this has given the town a reputation as the "Carrara of Abruzzo". This "poor" material has been used to decorate and give a certain charm to towns in Abruzzo. Stoneworkers have employed it to decorate balconies, doorways and the façades of important homes and public buildings. It is used to sculpt the rose windows decorating the façades of the local churches, and noble coats of arms. These artists work in their own laboratories where it is possible to watch them create their works of art. Another town which is famous for the stonework done there is Poggio Picenze, located in the Aterno Valley. This "fine white calcareous" stone was used to decorate the most important churches and palaces in l’Aquila. Historical documents dating back to the 1400’s testify to the importance of this stone, and the work of these artisans in the most beautiful works of art. |
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Traditional and artistic goldsmiths |
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Traditional Abruzzese gold craftsmanship is characterized by filigree and fusion techniques, as well as other techniques which give these objects their special style. However, what really distinguishes these works are the designs and decorative motifs which are often inspired by nature. Filigree work is done mainly in the surroundings of Pescocostanzo, Sulmona and Guardiagrele, whereas in Scanno, they work mainly by micro-fusion and use silver as well as gold. Some of the most typical traditional jewellery are the "cannatora", a necklace formed by filigree spheres, the "ciarcille" or "sciacquajje", traditional earrings used in Pescocostanzo and Scanno, and the "presentosa", a star shaped medal surrounded by filigree arabesques, in the center of which there is usually a heart or two hearts united by a half moon, symbolizing a promise of love, therefore it is traditionally used as an engagement gift. The scannese jewellery derives from the ancient accessories of traditional clothing, such as buttons and pins. Finally, it is very interesting to note the traditional charms, which in the past represented a "magical" way of protecting small children: keys, hearts, half moons, stars, and the famous "cornetto". Nowadays, this type of production accompanies innovative jewelry, which emblemizes the fusion of creativity and technology. |
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