Maltese lace or known as ‘bizzilla’ is one of the oldest
craft in Malta, from the 17th century. This craft is more popular in
Gozo, Gozitan woman. The pattern is drawn on a parchment paper and the pattern
would be pinned with needles. The lace is done by ‘cumbini’ as attached to them
they would have threads, linen or silk. As part of the tradition, Gozitan woman
work it, outside. Lace was and still is considered as something rich and
expensive to buy. It is found in antique houses under decorative things.
Now days there are a still person that practice this craft
and teaches others. Also not just practiced but also part of clothing details.
White was one of the famous, but now days there are different colors. Most
famous in wedding dresses and is getting popular every day.
In Africa lace is also popular. Most of the dresses are made
with lace. The African lace patterns are different but similar in the floral
pattern and got brighter colors.
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| Colored Lace Photo taken in Mdina on the 21st April 2015 |
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| Lace Used in houses |
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| Black lace in modern things |
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| Black lace |
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| Lace on clothes |
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| Japanese inspiration |
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| Japanese inspiration |
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| Spain stamp |
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Filigree (Filugran)
Filigree is famous mostly in tourist’s area. Shops still
sell them. Filigree is worked in precious metals like silver and gold. Artists
still do this product, in small workshops. Most popular are found in Valletta,
Mdina and craft village ta’ Qali. The very first pieces were found in Egyptian
Pyramids way back to the 5000 years B.C. the making of filigree had been passed
through generations. In Malta filigree was found dates back to Roman times.
The most popular piece found in Malta is the Maltese cross.
Most of the shops sell this piece. Every piece is made with a lot of patience.
Pieces take time to be produced and contains of several stages. Started by
melting silver to high temperature over 700 degrees. Metal is poured in molds than produced to ingots after cooling. The ingots then are pressed and
stretched for few times but the use of the rolling mill. Thicker wires are used
to do shape, outer frame of the design. The next thing would be by filling the
frame which involves big patience. With fine threads and tweezers. After that
the object will be put into a special acid and the polishing stage at the end.
Comparing the filigree with the Egyptian metal work. Used to
work with metal around 5000 years. They used to work with copper, was most
frequently. Gold was used for jewelry and also silver. They used to add colors to jewelry pieces. These kinds of metals, only the Pharaoh’s and
Cleopatra used to have them. Now days several jewelry can be influenced from
the Egyptian metal work. The filigree today is still worn but with different
design, some are influenced from the Victorian era . Few of the shapes are
still being the same as the tradition.
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| Maltese Cross Photo taken on 14th May 2015 |
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| Photo taken on the 14th May 2015 |
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| Egyptian metal work |
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| Victorian Inspiration |
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Egyptian Inspiration  The two images below are original work from an artist that I've talked to. He just showed me images of his work and gave me some information about the subject. |
Victoria lansford jewelry, N/D, Victoria Lansford Jewelry,[online]http://jewelry-weblog.com/Victoria_Lansford_Jewelry.php,[accessed date] 12th May 2015
etsy.com,N/D,Contemporary Mixed Metal,[online]https://www.etsy.com/listing/118700641/contemporary-mixed-metal-earrings,[accessed date] 12th May 2015
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L-insig (Maltese Weaving)
Weaving developed from origin of mankind. People learned weaving around 1000 years ago. Used to
work with natural
materials, like grasses, palm trees and strips of wood. With weaving, a
lot of things are made like
clothing, rugs, blankets and other things. Most of the houses before used to have a room, only
for the weaving machine. Maltese people used to produce their own things and sell
them. In Malta weaving was introduced by the
Phoenicians. Although not a lot
of people don’t practice this craft, there is still a person in Rabat, Antoine Vella, which practices it
as a part time. He work with the machines that his father used to
use, that goes back
about 200years.
The industry of weaving remained small but Maltese and Gozitan people still
produce small things now days, like rugs and knitted garments. Rugs are made from mixed
material like cotton and wool. There are varieties of colors.
In Africa weaving is traditional all around the place but
mostly in the West Africa and is still practiced till today. They practice it
in dry seasons in open air.
In their weaving they still show extremely old character in this trade. Comparing to Malta, their colors are brighter, more shapes and patters. Most of the
patterns are geometric, although some of the shapes aren't equal and also
mirror image. Although it’s an old fashion, there is clothing that has
certain patterns on tops. Egypt was very important the weaving for their civilization. Like ours, this helped in the economy and for clothing. Was found
in different places like Mesopotamia and Babylon were big in textile weaving.
Egyptians are known for producing the finest cloth in 2100 B.C.E. As patterns
they used a lot of geometric design. Weaving clothing used to be wear mostly by
Cleopatra.
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| Weaving Razzett tal-Markiz Photo taken on the 12th May 2015 |
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| Weaving Machine |
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| Rugs |
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| Anthony Vella |
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| Bags |
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| Todays clothing |
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| Basket weaving |
Is-sengha tal-insig, 2015,Is-sengha tal-insig,[online]http://fionavella.com/features/2014/09/is-sengha-tal-insig/,[accessed date]:14th May 2015
Weaving in Malta,N/D,Weaving in Malta,[online],http://merillecotours.blogspot.com/2011/08/reviving-traditions-weaving-in-malta.html,[accessed date] 14th May 2015
AP World History,N/D,Ancient History Project,[online]http://bartons6thperiodathletes.weebly.com/ancient-history-project.html,[accessed date] 14th May 2015
Lanfanco. G, 2003, Xoghol, Gahgih u Snajja, Wise Owl Publications,
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Ghodda Antiki (Traditional Tools)
Most of the tools found today, were used from the 19th century and some of them are still used now days, although there are a lot of machines that could make the job a lot easy. Some had been used till the Second World War II. There weren't just tools but also thing like, stoves that they used to cook on and pots of enamel material. Most of their colors were blue and white. Today to find something similar you’ll find them in an antique shop. Handmade baskets made from man were used a lot for their personal use and also for picking fruit, like strawberries. Some of the tools were used by farmers. One of the farmers tool was used by two animals, normally cows. Big piece of wood would be held on their back for the threshing (dris) with it. From one of my visits to the art museum I found a sculpture that represents two oxen’s. Sickle (mingel) is another basic tool used by farmers. Used to use it for harvesting grain crops. Some farmers still use this tool. Other tools like forks were used for picking straws (tiben).
Comparing the tools with the African they got some similarities like the sickle. With the same curve, at times would be different sizes. The design is mostly the same. African people still use hand tools and also in Malta. The Egyptians and Romans got some similar tools, like harvesting with the animals. Egyptians tools are similar also such as the forks. All the tools got the same shape and form. Few that changed their form or shape. The colors that sometimes varies and how they are made.
South Africa History,N/D,South Africa history online,[online]http://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/first-farmers-southern-africa,[accessed date] 12th May 2015
The farmer and his tools,N/D,The farmer and his tools[Online]http://www.reshafim.org.il/ad/egypt/farming/,[accessed] 12th May 2015
Il-Muzew Folklor,N/D,Muzew-folklor,[online]http://schoolnet.gov.mt/history/F4/StiliHajja/muzew-folklor-gharb.htm,[accessed date] 12th May 2015
Ghaqda Filarmonika Talent Mosti, 2012,Dawra mar-Razzett,[online]http://www.talentmosti.com/home/index.php/dawra-mar-razzett,[accessed]12th May 2015
Tool and equipment that people used during the World War II and in their every day life;
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| Razzett tal- Markiz |
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| Razzett tal-Markiz |
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| Museum in Mdina |
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| War Shelter in Mellieha |
Tools used by farmers and quarries;
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| Mingel - Razzett tal-Markiz |
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| Ghodda uzati mill-benneja - Razzett tal-Markiz |
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| Baqqun - Razzett tal-Markiz |
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| Ghodda uzati mill-bennejja - Razzett tal-Markiz |
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| Qfief uzati min bdiewa - Razzett tal- Markiz |
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| Ghodda uzai min bdiewa - Razzett tal-Markiz |
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| Mingel zghir |
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| Qoffa tal-frawli |
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| Mudell ta' ghodda uzata min bdiewa u garra taz-zebbug |
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| Ghodda tal-bdiewa - Razzett tal-Markiz |
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| Mingel |
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| Furkettun |
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| Mqass ghas-suf tan-naghga |
.jpg)
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Luzzu
Like the
Maltese cross, the Luzzu is one of the symbols of Malta. About 1000BC, the
Phoenicis colonizes Malta, brought their culture to Malta. Used the island for
outpost for exportation and trades. They invented the boat for an easy way. The
word Luzzu came from the word ‘’Guzzo’’. The colors of the boat what really
makes it popular, along with the patterns that are found on each sides of the
boat. Like the Maltese bus tberfil, the once on the luzzu also are known as
tberfil. Although they are seen on a lot of boats, but not all of them got the
pattern. They are similar to the Greek leafs. It was used mostly as a fishing boat but now
days it’s used as ferry locals and for tourists that takes them across the
Grand Harbor. The Luzzu is mostly seen in St. Paul's Bay, Marsaxlokk, is famous
for the number of luzzu and also in Zurrieq, were there are fishing villages. The
luzzu was found also on the previous money. Something attached to fishing is
the Tunnara, today is a museum found in Mellieha. This was used for fishing.
Because our island is surrounded by the sea, there were and still are a lot of
fishermen. Others that do the fish traps (nases), nets and other things
associated with the sea. ‘Tunnara’ are nets that fishermen’s put in the sea for
fish that can be caught with nets. It was used mostly in spring and autumn.
There would be around 20 to 30 people help to pull it out of water. The colors of the Luzzu rarely change. Fishermen’s color the boat as their father and
grandfather did. A superstition plays a very important role. All boats got the eye
which protects the people on boat from any harm. Either side, the eye will be
painted and carved. Calls it the Eye of Osiris, the Phoenicians God of
Protection.
The painting
of Amanda Zammit made by acrylics got a lot of movement. Boats that overlap
each other and is created from lines.
The colors used mostly primary and natural. The eye is painted in an
exaggerated way different than the real one.
The Japanese boat bow is similar to ours, both of them coming to the
point. Comparing our boat to a painting of Katsushika Hokusai. The boat body
are longer and narrow; some got a tents which are longer and also lanterns on
sides. Boats that are similar to ours are the Greek boats. Although the color is different still there is significant color that represents their place.
Tunnara museum overview in Mellieha, Malta,N/D,Island of Gozo,[online]http://www.islandofgozo.org/place?id=52&item=tunnara-museum,[accessed date] 12th May 2015
Amanda Zammit's Art's,N/D,Amanda Zammit's Art's,[online]https://amandazammit.wordpress.com/tag/acrylics/page/2/,[accessed date] 12th May 2015
Anecdotes from Malta,N/D,The Luzzu,[online]http://anecdotesfrommalta.blogspot.com/2010/06/luzzu.html, [accessed date] 12th May 2015
Lanfanco. G, 2003, Xoghol, Gahgih u Snajja, Wise Owl Publications
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| The Eye of Osiris Photo taken in Mellieha |
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| Luzzu Photo taken in Mellieha |
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| Tunnara Museum Photo Taken in Mellieha |
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| Japanese |
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| Osiris Eye |
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| Greek |
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| Greek |
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| Acrylic Painting |
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Transport
When the buses were introduced they affected Malta Railway.
Became more popular than railway because they were expensive. On 31st
March 1931, railway done its last service from Rabat to Valletta. There were
six Thorneycroft buses
from UK because Malta was military and naval
base. Later on another 27 seated single deckers and 36 seated started
their transportation from Valletta to St. Julian's. They were painted yellowish
green with black band.
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| Thorneycroft - Photo taken in Sliema |
After
World War II there were new buses Ford V8 chassis, total of 110. New Thames chassis body were
built by a bus body builder, Mr. Aquilina from Paola. All ford Thames
had minimum of 36 passengers. Before the buses were split into 3 groups, color coded, light
green, red and white with blue striped. In 1977 all buses started
operating in one group and were painted all light green. Gozo buses were grey with red band.
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| Ford V8 Chassis |
In 1995
the buses were again painted yellow with orange striped. Gozo buses weren't painted kept with the same colors. Along with the bus changes there were the
bus stop signs also were
changed, also the tickets. The old buses are famous mostly for their colors and the interior
of them. Most of the buses used to have a statue inside the truck near the driver seat. Also
they were used to have key
chains, eighter of horns or chili pepper. They were famous for their fonts written on
the outside of the truck along with the decoration. In Maltese these are called
‘tberfil’.
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| Mellieha Bus Photo taken in Mellieha |
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| Mellieha Bus Photo taken in Mellieha |
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| Gozo bus Photo taken in Gharb, Gozo |
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| Interior of bus Photo taken in Mellieha |
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| Interior of bus Photo taken in Mellieha |
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| Old Terminus |
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| old bus stops signs |
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| new bus stop signs |
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| old tickets |
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| new tickets |
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| Bendy buses |
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| Italy |
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| London |
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| England |
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| South Africa Tramway |
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| Bus in Harry Potter movie |
Now days
the old buses are most of them kept in garages by the same owners, painted
eighter green or blue with white striped. Refurbished them into new ones. As a new tradition, instead of having a car for the wedding,
people are using the old buses as a wedding car. Also they use them for
tourists to give them bus tour. For weddings they are decorated with a white bow in front. Apart from truck buses there are trucks that are decorated the same way. They use trucks that would be in shows. New traditions that is liked by many.
Tberfil
Is an art
and craft, lettering/ sign writing, a way of decoration. This writing wasn't only found on buses, but also on trucks (old stone quarry) and also horse- drawn (karettuni), horse
riding carriages. ‘Tberfil’ isn't only associated with the lettering but
with anything that of Maltese art and craft. Most of the lettering involves of
nicknames and children’s names. Something similar are the Baroque line work of ‘’Pavaljuni’’
and ‘’Bandalori’’. Comparing them
with the illuminated
manuscript, I see a combination
of forms and curves. The color and the patterns inside the letters are
also similar of the Maltese design. They are both based on floral patterns.
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| Tberfil on a water truck |
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| Photo taken in Mellieha |
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| Tberfil on bus truck Photo taken in Mellieha |
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Tberfil on Trucks Maltese History & Heritage,N/D,Maltese public Transport Since 1856,[online]https://vassallohistory.wordpress.com/maltese-public-transport-since-1856-a-brief-history-of-the-public-transport-in-malta-the-omnibus-up-to-the-mid-1800s-the-only-means-of-human-transport-w/[accessed date] 6th May 2015 Snajja Maltin - Tberfil, 2013, Mcast Art & Design Creative Media students, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kb_p8w5U0c[ Tberfil,2013,Tberfil,[online]http://www.tberfil.blogspot.com/p/tberfil.html[accessed date] 6th May 2015 ________________________________________________________________________________________ More Traditions Some of the photo's below show's traditions of people that used to sell things for people, for home essentials. Some of them I remember them when I was younger. Comparing them with the African people that sells food on carts or on stools. Apart from those who sell, there are games that used to be played before, in streets where streets were more calm. |
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| Bejjiegh tal-ful |
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| Tal-fjuri |
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| Tal-frott |
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| Bejjiegh tal-pitrolju |
In the Mellieha village there was ‘’tal-pitrolju’’ going
around the streets. I remember it a little, but I remember my mother telling me
about this person.
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| Tal-Bigilla |
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| Terrimaxka |
The Terrimaxka or Karusel was like a music machine, music box that
was seen in streets. Used to be full of colors. Moved on a cart. Now days there
is one that sometimes is seen in Valletta streets. It is
similar to the ‘’Monkey Organ’’ which is found mostly in Europe. The one I've seen several times in Valletta got little figures that while it’s playing they
move. The owner of the ‘’Terrimaxka’’ hopes to collect money while he’s moving
around streets.
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| Qbiz bil-habel
The game ‘’il-habel’’ is an old tradition that I remember I
used to play it with children my age at my grandmother’s house. The streets
were less busy, and used to play it in the streets. Unlike today, there aren't
streets that this game can be played. Few girls still play this game.
|
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Tal-hobz
When I used to go near my grandmother, I remember someone
coming to sell bread with a van. It still goes around the place to sell bread.
It’s a traditional thing and still happens now days. Italian people used to have this kind of selling.
Way back machine,2015,Way back machine,[online]http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/02/way-back-machine-immigrant-bias-in-ariz-organ-grinder-ban-in-n-y-c/?_r=0[accessed date] 16th May 2015 Folklore,N/D,Folklore,[online]http://www.users.on.net/~charbell/Folklore/Folk.htm[accessed date]16th May 2015 Lanfanco. G, 2003, Xoghol, Gahgih u Snajja, Wise Owl Publications
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