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# 63 • JUNE 28 , 2015
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ITALIAN HANDCRAFTS:
CORAL FROM TRAPANI
By Camera di Commercio di Trapani with Unioncamere
In ancient times coral finds its
popularity as an amulet, as evidenced especially by the classic "cornetto", Italian for "little
horn" or "hornlet", an amulet
worn to protect against the
evil eye. It was believed also
to have beneficial effects on
female fertility and to protect
children from harm. Widespread belief among the Romans,
who used to put a sprig around
the neck of their children.
But beyond any questionable
property or attribution, it is
as prestigious ornament that
coral finds its affirmation. The
processing of coral was mainly
carried out by Jews from the fifteenth century onwards. There were around 50 coral workers, who were first organised
in a consulate and later in a
workforce in 1555.
and subjects of the works
changed, as well as the techniques and materials used.
ges, which are closely linked
to the ancient craft tradition:
washing, cleaning, cutting,
drilling, removal of spines, poThe polymeric fashion leads to lishing, engraving and setting.
the creation of complex and Even today, the uses of coral
articulated compositions that are kept alive in Trapani by a
combine coral precious mate- small number of consummarials creating works of decora- te artisans, whose studios and
The oldest assets of the wor- tive exuberance, flamboyant, shops can be seen as contemkforce between 1628-1633 highly refined, and original.
porary cabinets of wonder.
included both simple master Today the Trapani method of
coral workers and coral sculp- working with coral is evident The art of the masters of Trapators. After the eruption of Baro- in the creation of high-quali- ni is not closed, but rather is atque, the technical possibilities ty compositions. Coral work tentive to the culture that origiand consolidated experience involves various delicate sta- nates from multiple places and
of the artists altered: the types
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