Walking through Appignano, in the names of some streets it is possible to read references to the tradition of ceramic, which built the cultural identity of our village from the old time and made it to be known as “the town of the ceramic artisans[1]”.
The first historical document referring to the manufacturing of clay in Appignano lies among the books of Riformanze, according to which the 22nd December 1557, Pasqualino Mariani from Caldarola obtained the authorisation to move to Appignano to work there as a vessel maker. Another important day is the 15th August 1588 when another vessels maker, M. Geronimo (or Gerolamo) Superichini from Sassoferrato asked to move to Appignano to “turn the lathe”.
Even today there is an organised party to remember the official day of birth of ceramic art in Appignano, a party so dear to all inhabitants of the little town. It is known as “Palio della Brocca d’oro” (“race of the golden pitcher”) and it implies the historical re-enacting of the coming of Pasqualino Mariani. During the manifestation, which takes place between June and July, there is a parade of masked characters holding pieces of clay, pitchers full of water, bundles, and torches; symbols of the raw elements in ceramics: soil, water, and fire. There are also popular team games like “break the vessel” or the interesting “race of the pitchers” ascending across Via dei Vasai decorated for the occasion.
[1] “Paese dei coccià”. Coccià is a dialect words to indicate people who produce ceramic and work with clay.
