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

Tea towel with 'gentleman' Testa di Moro

I find the Italian table linens from Tessitura Toscana Telerie so beautiful. Fortunately, they also make tea towels. Because, of course, there are plenty of people who already have enough tablecloths (is that even possible??), but who still really want to dry the dishes in Italian style. Excuse me, Sicilian style! Because these Teste di Moro are, of course, quintessentially Sicilian. In short; a souvenir of the summer.

The story behind the Testa di Moro

If you have ever been to Sicily, you have certainly seen them; the Teste di Moro (Moor's heads), truly typical of Sicily. It is a traditional Sicilian ceramic work of art depicting the face of a man or woman, usually decorated with crowns, jewels, and fruit. These 'Moor's heads' play the leading role in an 11th-century legend of 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 in the East waiting for him.

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 in. The basil grows lushly, nourished 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 are a symbol of 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.

A female version is also available

This beautiful tea towel with Testa di Moro, golden curls, and lemons also comes in a female version.

Will you use this beauty for drying?

I used to frame beautiful tea towels for the nursery. This 50 x 70 size is simply poster size, after all. Just put a cheerful colored Ikea frame around it and hang it up! This beautiful print wouldn't look out of place in your kitchen. And the coolest thing, of course, is having the lady and gentleman next to each other!

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 quirky and colorful collection.
• I am therefore just as happy with every purchase.
• I wrap everything nicely for you.
• I prefer to use recycled material for packing and shipping. And yes, I pack everything myself and take it to PostNL or DHL here on the street on foot or by bike.
• 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? A carefully set table is simply more fun!
• Still in doubt? I'm happy to take an extra photo for you. Or come to the store! (Nieuwe Binnenweg 208 A, Rotterdam. Tue-Sat 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM) You can also email or WhatsApp me (0641407437) with your question