Mallorca’s traditional ceramics
‘Siourelles’ are traditional ceramic whistles that are an important element of local culture and crafts. They are handmade, covered with a white base and decorated with colourful stripes, dots and geometric patterns in green, red, blue and yellow.
Siourelles are not just toys, they are a symbol of the rustic-pastoral heritage and artistic expression of the islanders. They have ancient roots in Mallorca’s rural traditions. There was a custom when a young man, courting a girl, gave her a siourelle, and if the girl whistled into it, it meant that she accepted the courtship, and if not, she rejected the chosen one.
Today, siurels are sold in local markets and in villages with craft workshops. They are used as children’s toys or musical instruments.
Ekaterina Zaytseva
