The Moor’s head is central to Sicilian culture, earning its roots on the island.
The legend states that, about a thousand years ago, when Sicily was under Arab rule, a young Moor fell in love with a woman from Palermo.
It was love at first sight and the young Moor professed his love to the young woman, who used to spend a lot of time at home and loved to take care of her aromatic plants on her balcony. She reciprocated eagerly and the young lovers were engrossed in a whirlwind romance.
However, the young woman soon realized that her lover would return to Arabia, where a wife was waiting for him. In a jealous rage, the young woman killed him and cut off his head, using it to grow a basil plant on her balcony.
The neighbors yearned for a luxuriant basil plant of their own, and started creating their own fake Moor’s heads to house their plants. Thus, creating a long tradition that continues today.
The Moor’s heads today are used as decorative home furnishings and many have cavities to house plants or flowers.
Hand made, painted, and many with hand sculpted, ornate décor, these pieces bring beauty and tradition to any space.
