- Collection type
- Object
- Description
- Wooden model of a decoratively painted Sicilian cart pulled by a horse wearing feather plumes [ZM 23/07/2015]
- Long description
- Model or toy Sicilian cart pulled by a horse. Carved from a light wood both are painted. The cart is predominantly painted in yellow and the horse is wearing two red, now faded to pink, feather blues - yellow and red are the colours of Sicily. On the back of the cart is painted the Sicilian coat of arms. The cart is painted in bright colours with a scene with human figures painted on each side. Brightly painted carts depicting scenes pulled by horses wearing feather plumes are still used at events and special occasions. The original purpose of the cart was to transport goods and over time has become more of an object of craftmanship and a symbol of Sicilian culture. The custom of painting the cart served the practical purpose of protecting the wood and was often a means of telling stories or tales, the scenes depicted including historical, literary, religious or chivalrous events. [ZM 23/07/2015]
- Cultural groups
- Italian
- Date / Period
- Date made: Before 1905
- Date collected
- By 1905
- Acquisition information
- Donated: 1905
- Materials and processes
- Material Wood Plant, Material Pigment, Material Bird Feather, Material Wool Yarn Animal, Material Metal, Process Painted, Process Carved
- Dimensions
- Height: max 132 mm, Width: max 90 mm, Length: max 213 mm
- Object numbers
- Accession number: 1905.36.12
Search terms: Model, Transport and Travel, Insignia, Toy and Game, Toy, Wheeled Vehicle