Tradition has always been one of my areas of interest. I love how cultures fond together and what cultures can present even after millennia. One example is the Pugliese “Pumo”. They were made first to wish prosperity, money and children to the one who receives it. During this summer, I have seen these little “balls” on the two edges of the balcony. And I have got the reason why. It is a tradition that this pumo has a hole on the base as the balcony of the Pugliese people are done with pointed rods for this reason. Pumo is a sort of acorn-shaped ceramic beauty.
Usually, it is handmade by a local Pugliese artisan who passed on the traditions of the ceramic craft. There are two versions of Pumo. The one we are used to seeing all around that is more plain and simple; that one was used in town flats or houses, otherwise, another one recalls a pinecone and it was used in country houses. Many years ago, Pumo was used only to decorate rich people houses as handrails.
That is to say, this little sprout was considered a luxury thing. History may recall the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance, Pomona. Her name means “fruit” in Latin. Therefore, this ceramic sprout could have symbolised regeneration, fertility and wealth. Of course, there are many dimensions and new shapes the artisans created: the one with the nativity scene inside for example.
Nowadays this little and colourful symbol became more touristic than traditional. Having many people requesting it as a souvenir. It is a sign of Grottaglie, a small town in Taranto that is quite famous for its mini-sculptures. However, Grottaglie is famous in general for ceramic sculptures, amphorae, pumi and plates. There is a specific neighbourhood that is called “Ceramic neighbourhood” where there are many little shops of the different families that work with ceramic.
Today, it is not considered a luxury anymore and it is bought by many tourists all around the world. The main point to take into consideration is to get the real and handcrafted pumo, having access to the long history and tradition of this population.
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