Le sculture di zu’ Sarino [Uncle Sarino’s sculpture] Various locationsRosario Santamaria (1913 – 1992)

Santamaria, who was known as Uncle Sarino, was a sailor and a bricklayer. At the age of 60 he was inspired by the shapes of wood lying on the beach, so he began to create sculptures by carving the rocks near the shore: he particularly liked to carve heads and animals. He placed them many places around the island, including on the beach, on walls, and near mailboxes; some were carved directly into the large tuf on the shores of the sea. An inspired and helpful man, he was devoted to the environment and to his island, and he had his own workshop near the boat loading zone. He loved to donate his works to tourists.

While most of his stone sculptures have been lost, Santamaria’s house on Via Foscolo is still extant and recognizable due to the colorful ceramic tiles that adorn its exterior.

~Gabriele Mina

www.costruttoridibabele.net

Favignana, Sicilia, 91023 it
Latitude/Longitude: 37.9279662 / 12.2948557

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