Properties & Qualities
Application
Art Sculpture
Qualities
Colorful Opaque Rigid
Colour
Blue Red Yellow White Orange
Sample Information
Date of creation
April 30, 2023
Culture & Context
The cuccu is the earliest sound toy of antiquity, shaped like a rooster, found in the tombs of children in Greek times, it became an Easter gift for the children of Matera.A symbol of virility, prosperity and good omen, it served as an amulet against the evil eye.These roosters, in fact, were walled up as protection of the house.Two-tone in sound, it recalls the cuckoo’s song while the coloring with polychrome stripes is conductible to the ribbons tied to the harnesses of horses at the feast of the Madonna della Bruna. Also an engagement gift for the bride-to-be, it represented the man’s economic status.In fact, it is said, “the bigger the cuccù, the bigger the love.”
Process & Production
Clay is molded until the desired product is obtained, allowed to dry, baked in the oven at 960° to obtain the cookie, once baked, decorated with acrylic paints and allowed to dry.
Credits
Craft Maker
Ilenia Dragonetti
Photographer
Ilaria Ferrara