A very rare, original paint Moor Head Planter/Vase/Pot by renowned Sicilian pottery works, "Ceramica del Ferlaro". The pot is made of heavy duty terracotta and was created in 1946 in Sicily, Italy. The origin of Sicilian "Moor Head" pots is a macabre story. The legend states that around 1100 AD(the period when the Moors dominated Sicily) in Palermo, a beautiful Italian girl fell in love with a young Moor. After learning that the Moor was planning on leaving Italy and returning to his wife & children, the young Italian girl waited until the Moor was asleep then cut off his head. She made a vase out of his head, planted Basil in it and placed it upon her balcony. The Basil grew luxuriously and aroused the envy of her neighborhood who, in order not to be outdone, ordered terracotta pots in the shape of a dark brown head at the potters. This pot is in very good condition with no chips or repairs and still features it's original paint. It contains its makers mark and is signed & dated on the bottom of the pot(see photos). It is approximately 12" inches in height and 9 1/2" inches width. It weighs 8 Lbs, 5 oz.