This week, we embarked on a journey back in time to explore the ancient art of Etruscan Bucchero pottery. We examined photographs of this distinctive black pottery, marveling at its intricate forms and the delicate sgraffito designs etched into its surface. These captivating images, depicting gods, goddesses, and legendary heroes, offer us a glimpse into the rich mythology of the Etruscan people.
Intriguingly, we discovered that the thinner, more elaborate Bucchero pieces are actually older than the thicker ones. This counterintuitive development can be attributed to the specific purposes for which the pottery was created. The early, refined pieces were inspired by metal tableware, reflecting the Etruscans’ daily lives. In contrast, the thicker pottery was reserved for a more solemn purpose: accompanying the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
To deepen our understanding of this ancient craft, we rolled up our sleeves and began creating our own Bucchero pieces. One group skillfully constructed a vase by coiling clay onto a bowl, while the other group focused on crafting plates and adorning them with sgraffito designs. The edges of the plates were carefully shaped to complement the imagery.
As our session drew to a close, we ventured into the enchanting world of our fairytale, delving into the captivating third chapter.
Fantastic Beasts
When the twins reached the usual rock, Marika let out a desperate cry: “No, someone stole our balls!” Mirko ran to check, his heart in his throat, and sadly discovered that the place where they had left their work was empty. But right under a rock, hidden by a birch leaf, they found a letter. Marika read aloud: “I took your spheres to a safer place to dry them. See you at the waterfall. A hug from Giada”
“What are we waiting for?” Mirko exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. Without hesitation, the two twins rushed along the river, following the course of the water that flows between the rocks. Suddenly, the waterfalls opened up before them, a majestic spectacle with a rainbow that painted the mist with a thousand colors.
“Here you are!” a nymph greeted them, sitting on a boulder in the center of the waterfall. “Where are our balls?” Marika asked immediately, a little impatiently. “Don’t worry, they are safe,” the nymph replied with a smile. “Please follow me.”
The nymph dived into the cool water and walked along a path hidden behind the waterfalls. Mirko and Marika followed her in wonder, until they reached a damp cave. “Look,” said the nymph, “I put your spheres here, where the humidity is perfect for hardening them.” Marika breathed a sigh of relief as she saw her precious creation lying on a soft bed of moss.
“Today we want to turn our balls into animals!” Mirko exclaimed, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. “What a fantastic idea!” the nymph applauded. “I also brought some clay from the well,” she added, “let’s go outside and create!”
In a sunny corner, they began to model heads, tails and legs with clay. But suddenly, Mirko stopped: “We have a problem, we don’t have any clay slip!” The nymph smiled: “No problem, we can create it ourselves with clay and water.” Patiently, she mixed the clay with the river water until she obtained a soft and sticky paste.
In a short time, the spheres transformed into a shark and a bird, wonderful and unique creatures. “They are beautiful!” exclaimed the nymph, admiring their creations. “Now we have to let them dry in the sun?” asked Mirko. “Great idea, we can put them out to dry,” replied Giada.
Carefully, the twins placed the animals on the rock and exposed them to the rays of the sun. “We’ll come back tomorrow to see them!” said Marika, beaming with happiness and with a little relief at having found their works of art again.