15
Coral horn with 'O Munaciello, Naples, 19th century
Height x width x depth: 8 x 1.5 x 2 cm. Weight: 25 g.
in red Mediterranean coral (Corallum Rubrum), carved to depict 'O Munaciello a character from the Neapolitan tradition, best known for his connection to popular culture in Naples.
The term ‘Munaciello’ derives from ‘monaciello’, which means ‘little monk’ in Neapolitan. It is a mythological figure with roots in the popular religiosity and folklore of the city. The monaciello is described as a small man dressed as a monk, wearing a tunic, but who is a mysterious and deceitful character: a bringer of good fortune, but also a ‘deceiving spirit’. Sometimes, the monaciello is said to be able to perform small magic or miracles.
The term ‘Munaciello’ derives from ‘monaciello’, which means ‘little monk’ in Neapolitan. It is a mythological figure with roots in the popular religiosity and folklore of the city. The monaciello is described as a small man dressed as a monk, wearing a tunic, but who is a mysterious and deceitful character: a bringer of good fortune, but also a ‘deceiving spirit’. Sometimes, the monaciello is said to be able to perform small magic or miracles.
€ 600,00 / 900,00
Estimate
400,00 €
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Live auction 327
Curiosities from European and Oriental art
Curiosities from European and Oriental art
Silvers, Ivories, Corals, Icons, and Wunderkammer
Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli, tue 25 February 2025
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