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Blackamoor antique history and definition: the real venetian Jewelry!
Venetian Blackamoor jewelry is probably the most representative example of the typical Italian skill and handicraft that takes its roots in the history of the Venice Republic (“La Serenissima”): since the 16 th century the antique moors have become symbols of venetian goldsmith tradition and still now they’re part of our culture and legacy
What does blackamoor mean?
Name and fame deliver from the term “Moro” that was used to call the Saracen pirates that were scaring the Venetians around the coasts of Mediterranean Sea. Note please that Venice at that time held a great part of the southern coasts of the Mediterranean Sea reaching the actual Turkey.
Look at the MAP above.
The Moretto is a timeless icon of Venetian heritage, deeply rooted in the rich history of the Serenissima. Originally conceived as an ex-voto, it was a powerful symbol of protection and gratitude, often gifted by sailors and merchants seeking safe voyages and prosperity. This extraordinary piece of jewelry embodies Venice's unique role as a cultural and commercial crossroads, blending influences from East and West.
So the inhabitants of the coast wore gold earrings with enamels (white and black) like amulets to exorcize the danger of pirates or gave to the churches as votive promises. This is for sure the primitive blackamoor jewelry that anyway arrived in few years to the motherland... Venice!
Blackamoors and Venice
In Venice moretto jewelry become something more: it wasn’t just an amulet to exorcize dangers but a status symbol of elegance and abundance to celebrate the supremacy of the Venetian Republic around the Mediterranean sea.
The intricately detailed turbans, often adorned with vibrant colors and precious elements, reflect the exotic allure of Oriental traditions. Over the centuries, the Moretto has transcended its devotional origins to become a cherished emblem of Venetian artistry and sophistication. Its design carries a profound cultural resonance, celebrating the city’s openness, creativity, and mastery in jewelry-making.
As we talked about in this Blog POST, Moretto Jewelry has nothing to deal with racism!
I’d like to point out a famous masterpiece of Vittore Carpaccio representing a rare blackamoor gondolier with a plumed turban.
Curiosity from Venice
The Wooden Rialto Bridge:
The Rialto Bridge is a central element of the painting, shown in its original wooden form before being rebuilt in stone in the 16th century. The arched structure with shops along its sides captures a historically significant moment in Venice's evolution.
The Moorish Gondolier:
One striking figure in the painting is a Moorish gondolier, highlighting the multicultural and cosmopolitan nature of Renaissance Venice. The city was a vibrant hub of trade and culture, with people from various origins playing roles in its daily life.
Since those times venetian artisans created various kinds of Moors exploring all kind of jewelry: earrings, brooches, pendants and necklaces with blackamoors in ebony usually adorned with precious stones and enamels. As you know we’re Italians and we’re famous for our craftsmanship ….. let’s say it’s something we inherited from our ancestors.
Famous people (VIP) that loved this jewelry and made it famous all around the world
Today, the Moretto remains a stunning testament to Venice's enduring legacy as a hub of elegance and multicultural inspiration.
In fact still now blackamoors are considered the most wanted and typical expression of venetian jewelry: testimonials of this everlasting elegance have been icons of the 20th century as Grace Kelly, Ernest Hemingway, Liz Taylor, Barbara Hutton, Arthur Rubinstein and Elthon John (cit. Wikipedia)
as usual I let you ... with the biggest hug of the world
2018 UPDATE: Recently there has been a controversy triggered by this venetian jewell worn by princess of Kent during her Majesty Xmas dinner
We felt honoured to explain to soo many person the origins of "Venetian Morettos" and we felt obliged to go even more in depth into the question interviewing the most famous expert of venetian history: Pieralvise Zorzi
HERE YOU FIND THE FULL INTERVIEW
The biggest hug in the World
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