Salentine ceramics, one of the most authentic and ancient expressions of Apulian craftsmanship, represent a cultural heritage of inestimable value. This artisanal tradition, born centuries ago, has evolved over the ages in forms, styles, and uses, while always maintaining a deep connection with the local territory and architecture.

The word “ceramics” itself has Greek origins, from “kéramos,” which means “potter’s clay.” Due to its great versatility, this material has been used over the centuries to produce various objects, crafted by the skilled hands of expert artisans and ready to be decorated with a variety of techniques.

The origins of Salentine ceramics date back to prehistoric times when local populations began shaping clay to create everyday utensils and ritual objects. Among the most celebrated traditional pottery for its beauty, the Messapian production, typical of Salento between the eighth and third centuries BC, holds a place of honor. The Messapians, an ancient population of Illyrian origin, created vases (notably ollas and trozzelle) with increasingly complex decorations, starting with geometric motifs in the early period and later influenced by Greek patterns. Soon, Messapian vases began to be fully decorated, including floral and figurative motifs, before returning to geometric and monochromatic decorations in the third period, this time with clear Hellenic influences. New forms of vases also emerged, such as the pyxis or the krater, but the typical trozzella, with its ovoid body and ribbon-like handles equipped with four characteristic wheels, remained the truest and purest expression of Messapian art, along with types like the pignata, used for cooking typical Salentine dishes, and the capase, for storing water.

During the Greco-Roman period, ceramic production in the Salento region was enriched with more sophisticated techniques and decorations, influenced by contacts with Mediterranean civilizations. These cultural exchanges contributed to the development of a ceramic tradition characterized by a great variety of forms and decorative motifs.

With the advent of the Middle Ages and then the Renaissance, Salentine ceramics continued to thrive, establishing themselves as a refined art. Artisan workshops multiplied in the main cities of Salento, such as Lecce, Grottaglie, and Cutrofiano, where artisans experimented with new glazes and decorative techniques. During the Baroque period, Salentine ceramics reached the pinnacle of their artistic expression, thanks to the richness of floral motifs and mythological figures.

Over the centuries, Salentine ceramics have undergone continuous evolution, adapting to new aesthetic and functional needs. Production has expanded from creating everyday objects, such as plates, vases, and pots, to producing decorative elements for architecture, such as majolica tiles and rosettes. The blending of other Italian and European ceramic traditions has enriched the Salentine stylistic repertoire, leading to the creation of unique pieces that combine tradition and innovation.

Today, Salentine ceramics keep traditional artisanal techniques alive while also embracing new technologies and contemporary design trends. Many artisan workshops, often family-run, continue to produce ceramics using ancient methods but with an eye on modern market demands.

In contemporary usage, Salentine ceramics are applied in various contexts, both as functional and decorative elements. Ceramic objects are appreciated for their beauty and their ability to tell the story and culture of Salento. In addition to traditional kitchen items, Salentine ceramics are used to create furniture accessories, such as lamps, tables, and tiles, adding a touch of elegance and authenticity to spaces.

Ceramic craftsmanship is also an important economic sector for the region, attracting cultural tourism. Fairs and markets dedicated to Salentine ceramics draw visitors from all over the world, eager to discover and purchase unique, handmade pieces.

Among the most characteristic elements are:

The Pumo
The name and the reasons for the production of the pumo, which has become one of the most distinctive symbols of the artisanal tradition, can be traced back to the history of ancient Rome when the cult of Pomona, the goddess of fruits, was celebrated. The word pumo derives from the Latin “pomum,” meaning “fruit.”
Its shape recalls a bud enclosed by four acanthus leaves, symbolizing life being renewed. It is a symbol of prosperity and fertility, but also of chastity, immortality, and resurrection. Additionally, it has an apotropaic function, acting as a sort of amulet capable of warding off evil and bad luck. For these reasons, this artifact initially spread among the noble families of Puglia, who used it as a decorative element on the facades of noble mansions and on wrought iron railings, before becoming popular among the rest of the population, including peasants.
The pumi of the nobility were distinguished from those of others. In fact, the lords of the town would personalize them with heraldic symbols and a varying number of leaves around the bud, as a testament to the notoriety, authority, and wealth of their family. The function of the pumo is not to chase away bad luck or evil; it precedes bad luck and keeps it at bay, acting as an impenetrable barrier to evil. The pumo is therefore a good luck charm, which, according to tradition, should not be purchased but gifted or received as a gift.

Capase or Capasoni
The farmers of Puglia and Salento used these beautiful terracotta containers for various purposes, mainly to store liquids like extra virgin olive oil, water, or wine. The value of these containers was that they could preserve the characteristics of the contained liquid, particularly its temperature. The name capasa comes from the Latin “capax capacis,” meaning “capable,” referring to the often large capacity of these containers and their usefulness in storing liquids. The capasa is also known as capasone, with an augmentative meaning. In past centuries, the larger capase were used instead of barrels during the grape harvest. Just a few dozen of the largest ones (with a capacity of at least 200 liters) were enough to store wine. Usually, the mouth of the capasoni was sealed with a plug made of lime and ash. Near the base of the capasone, about twenty centimeters from the bottom, there was a drainage spout to which a sort of tap was attached, called “cannedda.” Sometimes, a small cork plug, known as “pipulu,” was used instead. This made it easy to obtain the right amount of wine or oil by bringing a container close to the cannedda.

Capasoni were not only used for agricultural work but also for transporting liquids back and forth across the Mediterranean. They were key players in trade for a long time, even to the Middle and Far East.
Today, capase and capasoni have come back into fashion, and there is a large market revolving around the search for old specimens and their revaluation. It is common to see them at the entrances of prestigious tourist resorts, in the courtyards of many noble villas, and in gardens and outdoor areas.

The Rooster
The undisputed protagonist of the decoration of Apulian ceramics, the rooster can be found on many everyday objects, most of which are used at the table during meals. Its history has ancient and extraordinary origins, and the rooster symbolizes the figure of Mercury, the god of commerce, profit, and eloquence. The rooster is therefore identified as a sacred animal, which, besides representing Mercury, can be linked to other important symbols. It is considered almost a domestic animal, capable of driving away all negative energies and malice from one’s home. Lastly, but not least importantly, the famous Apulian rooster is considered a symbol of fertility.

 

The bond between Salentine ceramics and architecture is particularly strong.
Since the Baroque period, majolica tiles and decorative ceramic panels have been used to embellish churches, palaces, and noble residences. Ceramics became a distinctive element of Lecce Baroque, with its vibrant colors and ornamental motifs enriching the facades of buildings.

Even in contemporary architecture, Salentine ceramics continue to play an important role. Architects and designers often choose ceramic materials for their aesthetic and functional qualities, such as durability and ease of maintenance. Ceramic tiles are used both indoors and outdoors, creating continuity between tradition and new trends in sustainable architecture.

Salentine ceramics, with their ancient roots and continuous evolution, represent a symbol of the culture and identity of Salento. Their relationship with architecture and their current use testify to the ability of this tradition to renew and adapt to the times while preserving its authenticity. The future of Salentine ceramics looks bright, with new generations of artisans ready to carry on this heritage with passion and creativity.