Handmade Sicilian Testa di Moro — Turban Green Stripes

The Testa di Moro is one of the most iconic symbols of the Sicilian ceramic tradition. This pair (male & female) features the Turban Green Stripes decorative motif and is entirely handmade in Sicily.

The Legend of the Testa di Moro

Around the year 1000, during Arab rule, a young and beautiful girl lived in the Kalsa district of Palermo, spending her days tending to the plants on her balcony. One day, a young Moor passed by and fell madly in love with her—a feeling that was reciprocated. But the man had not told her that he had a wife and children across the sea. Blinded by jealousy, she killed him in his sleep and cut off his head. To keep him with her forever, she turned his head into a vase, in which she planted basil. The plant grew more luxuriantly than ever—thus the Testa di Moro was born.

In 1997, Antonio and Giuseppe Bevilacqua started with a dream: to bring the craft of their small Sicilian village to the world. With their own hands, a touch of madness, and much perseverance, they opened a ceramic workshop in the historic center of Campofranco, Sicily. Each piece tells the story of their region, their tradition, and their craftsmanship. From clay processing to modeling, decorating, and firing—each object is entirely handmade. Each piece is unique and unrepeatable.