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The apotropaic stone masks of lava rock and marble
These masks, made mainly from lava rock or marble, are believed by Neapolitans to have the power to bring good luck and ward off negative energies.
Apotropaic masks often depict animals or mythological creatures, giving a mysterious and enigmatic look to the buildings that host them. These fascinating symbols can be found all over the city, and have become a distinctive feature of Neapolitan culture.
Also known as "testoni" (big heads) or "faccia di vecchia" (old woman's face), these masks have a long and deeply rooted tradition dating back to classical antiquity. The word "apotropaic" comes from the ancient Greek "apotropaios" and refers to the act of warding off evil or protecting oneself from it. It is believed that the use of these masks began in ancient Greece, where they were placed above house doorways to keep away demons, evil spirits and the cursed gaze of the "jettatura" (the evil eye), a popular belief in the power of a curse cast through a look. Over time, this practice spread to Naples, where the masks were used to decorate temples and public buildings. During the Middle Ages, the tradition of using these masks as protective symbols became further established.
Today, apotropaic masks are still extremely popular in Naples. They can be found in every neighbourhood of the city and come in a great variety of shapes and styles. Some depict human faces, often with grotesque, pained expressions, while others take the form of fantastical creatures such as dragons and monsters. These figures are often accompanied by symbolic elements such as snakes, crows or eyes, which add further protection and meaning to the masks.
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