Tea towel Zagara with Testa di Moro man | 50 x 70 cm

Tea towel with Testa di Moro 'gentleman'

I find Tessitura Toscana Telerie's Italian table linen so beautiful. Fortunately, they also have tea towels. Because there are certainly enough people who already have enough tablecloths (is that possible??), but who would still love to dry dishes in Italian style. Excuse me, Sicilian style! Because these Teste di Moro are, of course, quintessential Sicilian. In short: a souvenir from summer.

The story behind the Testa di Moro

If you've ever been to Sicily, you've definitely seen them; the Teste di Moro (Moorish heads), truly typical of Sicily. It's a traditional Sicilian ceramic artwork depicting the face of a man or woman, usually adorned with crowns, jewels, and fruit. These 'Moorish heads' play the main role in an 11th-century legend about passion and revenge during the Arab rule of Sicily.

The most famous version of this story takes place in the Kalsa district of Palermo. A beautiful noblewoman, who spends her days tending to the plants on her balcony, falls deeply in love with a traveling Moor (Arab). Their romance ends abruptly as soon as she discovers that he has a wife and children waiting for him in the East.

Blinded by jealousy and wounded pride, she devises a dark revenge. While the man sleeps, she murders him, cuts off his head, and uses it as a pot to grow basil. The basil grows luxuriantly, fed by her tears. Her neighbors are jealous of the beautifully blooming plant. They ask local artisans to make earthenware vases in the exact shape of the Moor's head.

Today, these striking sculptures symbolize Sicilian craftsmanship, particularly in cities like Caltagirone. They are traditionally sold as a pair—a male Moor and a crowned woman—and serve as symbols of love, history, and prosperity.

Also a women's version

There is also a female version of this beautiful tea towel with Testa di Moro, golden curls, and lemons.

Will you use this beauty to dry dishes?

I used to frame beautiful tea towels for the nursery. This size, 50 x 70, is simply poster size. A cheerful colored Ikea frame around it and hang it up! This beautiful print will not look out of place in your kitchen. And the coolest thing, of course, is the lady and gentleman side by side!

All information about the Teste di Moro 'gentleman' tea towel at a glance

• Kitchen towel, glass towel, tea towel
• Design: Zagara
• Made from a linen-cotton blend
• Size: 50 x 70
• Beautifully finished.
• With a loop on one of the top corners
• See label for washing instructions

Why buy from Kleuroptafel?

• It is my dream to build a thriving one-woman-business with my unique and colorful assortment.
• Therefore, I am equally happy with every purchase.
• I pack everything nicely for you.
• For packaging and shipping, I prefer to use recycled material. And yes, I pack everything myself and personally deliver it on foot or by bicycle to PostNL or DHL here on the street.
• Kleuroptafel chooses color and quality. Beautifully designed, beautifully made, preferably sustainably - if possible in Europe - produced, and colorful.
• But the best reason to buy something from Kleuroptafel? At a carefully set table, it's simply cozier!
• Still doubting? I'd be happy to take an extra photo for you. Or come to the store! (Nieuwe Binnenweg 208 A, Rotterdam. Tue-Sat 10:30 - 17:30) You can also email me or send a WhatsApp message (0641407437) with your question