We the Italians July 18, 2016 - 81 | Page 62

# 81 JULY 18 th , 2016
Every part of the province produces typical and traditional products , which vary in shape , composition and colour . Seminara terracotta stands out for its high quality and typical colouring , handed down from father to son .
Its predominant colours are green , yellow , blue and Brown . Its shapes are also unique , being closely tied to ancient popular traditions and decorated by specific shapes of flowers and animals .
The products of Seminara include , first and foremost , the “ Babbaluti ”, anthropomorphic bottles dating back to Bourbon rule in Calabria , when there was a popular and persistent feeling of discontent towards Spanish rule . Indeed , these artefacts depict the caricatured appearance of the Bourbon soldier , the Spanish gendarme or the incumbent power .
Other interesting local products include the “ apotropaic masks ”, used since antiquity for decorative or superstitious purposes . These masks are full of
symbolic meanings , whose horrible and deformed appearance is thought to drive out evil spirits and keep them away from the house .
In light of this , still today , these masks have the specific “ apotropaic ” function of removing the evil eye . They are placed in clear sight in homes and on rooftops , on the lintels of front doors or close to balconies and windows .
Of the typical artefacts from Seminara , one should also mention the “ fish-shaped flasks ”, distinctive objects belonging to the pilgrims of the fair of San Rocco in Rosarno and the so-called “ Gabbacumpari ” ( drink if you can ), a wine jug with several holes .
The terracotta production
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