Since the tradition of the “Opera dei pupi” (Opera of puppets) was about to disappear, the Sicilian puppets have turned into real pieces of workart.
The Sicilian puppet is today a real artwork like paintings, sculptures, decorations, etc. which is increasingly requested to set up one’s homes, or as unique works for fans of Sicily and its traditions.
In this wake, the master Salonia has been making Sicilian puppets on request for the past twenty years, of various sizes and representing the different characters of the puppet tradition. His puppets fit perfectly into any style of home thanks to the different colors of the metals used for the armor and the attached colored clothes that vary according to the character.
The creation of a Sicilian puppet consists of different steps that require knowledge in the field of carpentry, painting, tailoring, and, above all, metalworking for the construction of the armor.
The armor has an embossed workmanship, the reliefs highlighted by a burnishing fixed over time by a protective agent that does not allow oxidation or variation.
Face finished in papier-mâché in reverse procedure, starting from a wooden base.
The frame in pine and beech wood.
Dresses are made in precious fabrics enriched with trimmings and the feathers on the helmet matched to the colors of the fabric.
Each puppet is an unique piece!
A copy is never created but it takes its cue from the chosen character.