The traditional figures and settings found in the rural world of yore, which persisted until the mid-20th century, are reflected in a wealth of shapes. Its memory is preserved in the many figurines produced and the many others that continue to be created. Recognisable figures are interspersed with fanciful, imaginary creatures, which reflect some of the most marked traits of popular culture: the grotesque, scatological elements, primal threats and fears, as well as the laughter that exorcises them. The holy is scaled down to human size through imperfections and distortions. Figures appear transported by music into a world of bliss, rapture, laughter and endless fun.
The most prestigious workshops and the most famous ceramists in Northern Portugal are to be found in Barcelos. Pieces depict women, men, animals, nameless creatures, devils and an endless array of beings, all of which star in a thought-provoking play where we recognise ourselves. Extraordinarily talented artist Rosa Ramalho created pieces as diverse as a figurine of Our Lady holding the baby Jesus and that of a man riding a pig. New ways of perceiving artworks that broke with tradition and represented a departure from conventional stereotypes generated renewed interest in this artist’s work in the late 1950s.
The simple methods used, namely moulds, allowed the large-scale production of pieces representing waterfalls and Nativity scene figurines, known in Vila Nova de Gaia as «mascatos». Musicians playing and people arriving or leaving a fair are just a few examples of the many pieces sold at markets and fairs every season.
In Ribolhos, an artist known for working with black clay engraves his initials - «J.M.» - on the breast of a horse ridden by a musician before firing this piece in the kiln. This rough, brittle clay demands strong, rugged shapes, which help understand the meaning of the final pieces. A frequently depicted animal, the cockerel acquires a special simplicity and singularity when reproduced in this material by this artist.
From Estremoz, comes the elegant, festive “Spring” figurine, also known as “Ballerina”, with her flower hoop and flouncy skirt, shorter or longer, to suit the artist’s taste, as well as the surgeon, a figure created to mock the bloodletting barber, still in the costumes of yore. Dating back to the 18th century, Estremoz-style clay figurines effectively evoke this bygone era.
In Lagoa, on the São Miguel Island, artists create pieces known as «tarecos» that bear great similarity to those found in Vila Nova de Gaia. These pieces include the Holy Ghost reveller, a man in traditional costume playing the guitar. Widely sold as souvenirs, figurines depicting women wearing the typical black cape from the Terceira Island are mass-produced in the Azores. Iconic costumes are also extensively represented in the traditional Madeira dolls.
