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.
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
FIRST SESSION
25/02/2025 Hours 12:00 pm
Lots 1/167
SECOND SESSION
25/02/2025 Hours 04:00 pm
Lots 168/346