Vtg Palio Siena Contrada Del Leocorno Doll Made In Italy Eros Florence 8 1/2" Carrying Flag On Wooden Pole
This doll is from our large collection of vintage dolls and bears.
This doll is from our 1965 visit to Italy.
The history of Palio:
Siena is a small, but marvellous, town, typically middleagish, about 30 miles from Florence. In its earliest days it was a Roman Colony and it is reported that it was founded by Caesar Augustus (63 a. C - 14 p. C.). The most important event is the renown “Palio delle Contrade” (from the Latin word “Pallium”, meaning cloth or banner), known all over the world. The origin of this characteristic tournament is lost in the night of times. In the year 1599 the several popular events were substituted by she-buffaloes mounted by jockeys and it was decided that victory would be awarded, and therefore the “Palio” not to the winning jockey, but rather to the neighbourhood district (Contrada) represented by the former.
So much detail to this doll. His face is beautifully hand painted.
The costume is clearly handmade.
Please see the photos to complete the description.
