The Beauty of Vintage Sicilian Carts aka Carretto Siciliano

A joyous celebration of color and art on wheels, Sicilian carts, aka caretto Siciliano, have a history reaching back to the early 19th century. These two-wheeled carts were pulled by donkeys in the country and horses in the city and were used for practical purposes like hauling wood or transporting produce and wine (it goes without saying). They also conveyed status, showing off the wealth of the owner depending on how elaborate they were. Made throughout the 1800s, the carts hit peak popularity in the 1920s, when there were thousands on the island.

Many hands played a role in the making of a Sicilian cart. The metal worker made the decorative undercarriage. The carver created the panels which were brought to life by the painters. The carter assembled all the pieces. More artisans made elaborate ornamental harnesses for the horses.

The scenes depicted on the cart panels include religious images, chivalrous deeds, Sicilian life and Sicilian history. Colors are unabashedly bright. The decorations took on a larger meaning, thought to provide good luck and protection as well as tell stories. Each province of Sicily has its own style of decoration. It is fitting that the carts continue to be used for tourists, celebrations and weddings.

The Museo del Carretto Siciliano in Terrasini has a large collection of carts of admire if you’re in the neighborhood.

How did we discover the world of Sicilian carts? We had our curiosity piqued when decorative parts and panels came into our hands. The previous owner had them displayed on her walls in keeping with her Sicilian heritage. She was able to give us a little information, but the more we dug into the history, the more enchanted we got.