Images(2)

Instrument, Percussion

Object number2015.82.14

Datec. 1987

OriginSicily, Italy

MediumCeramic; Glaze

Credit LineGift of Anna Marie Fiori

DescriptionGlazed ceramic quartara. Souvenir container in the style of traditional vessel used for storing water or wine in Sicily. Scene of Sicily on one side with sailboats and mountains and an Italian folk dancer on the other side.Dimensions15.5 × 9.5 × 8 in. (39.4 × 24.1 × 20.3 cm)
InscriptionsOne side of body has text “SICILIA” in the top left corner.
Other side of body has text “TARANTELLA” in the top right corner.

Translation:
“SICILIA” = “Sicily”
“TARANTELLA” is a group of various folk dances characterized by a fast upbeat tempo accompanied by tambourines.

Historical NotesThis type of vessel was used during festivals as a musical instrument in folk Sicilian music. The donor Anna Marie Fiori held onto a majority of the instruments used by the group in their performances, including this ceramic conga (called a quartara) purchased in Sicily by Lina Chianese. All instruments from Italy were acquired during the group’s tour of Italy in 1987. All instruments from Italy were acquired during the group’s tour of Italy in 1987. Collection includes handmade dolls, ceramic conga (quartara), copper conga, Sardinian flute and pan pipe, ram’s horn, conch shell horn, wrist and hand castanets, Jew’s harp, triccheballacche, concertina, various handmade noisemakers, tambourine, and recorder. I Campagnoli was an Italian American folk troupe from the Pittsburgh area comprised of approximately 40 core performers with a focus on Italian folk singing and dancing. Originally directed by Lorenzo “Larry” Malfatti and Eugene Richards (and later Jane Ferro) and sponsored by the Italian Sons and Daughters of Italy, the group formed in 1964 and performed throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, as well as in Italy and at the opening of the Italian Village in Epcot Center and Busch Gardens.

Related person Anna Marie Fiori

Related person Lina Chianese

Related institution I Campagnoli

Subjects

Terms

On View

Not on view