Actually, I have no idea what it is but it most resembles an instrument of torture. You will have realised by now that my imagination often gets the better of me.
Well, I'll put you all out of your misery: Sandra and DD have it: A "Jew's harp" [which I believe is a corruption of "Jaw harp"]. You find them everywhere in souvenir shops here. Marranzano in dialect.
Ah, Welshcakes, late to the party thanks to France Telecom! Got the answer right, tho' [pats back, looks smug]; but would never have guessed the Sicilian name! Thank you for another intriguing post.
That is interesting welchcakes;my mother always spoke about her father playing a jews harp but I have never seen one. |I had actually forgotten all about it until I read your post.
According to this site, it’s because the instrument’s sound was used to signal to others that they would have recongized some thieves (so as to be warned to stay on the lookout I presume); as well as to ward off the thieves themselves (sort of “I’ve seen you, I know who you are, beware”)
I'm a sort-of retired language teacher from Cardiff, Wales, UK, now trying to make a new life in Sicily. I'm not growing vines, making olive oil or restoring a palace stone by stone!
13 comments:
Actually, I have no idea what it is but it most resembles an instrument of torture. You will have realised by now that my imagination often gets the better of me.
I like your imagination, Mary!
No, I don't know either. But soon!
xox
Constance
To stone olives?
Schiacciapensieri or maranzano ?
Sicilian dialect - A juissi harpi?
Well, I'll put you all out of your misery: Sandra and DD have it: A "Jew's harp" [which I believe is a corruption of "Jaw harp"]. You find them everywhere in souvenir shops here. Marranzano in dialect.
Ah, Welshcakes, late to the party thanks to France Telecom! Got the answer right, tho' [pats back, looks smug]; but would never have guessed the Sicilian name! Thank you for another intriguing post.
That is interesting welchcakes;my mother always spoke about her father playing a jews harp but I have never seen one. |I had actually forgotten all about it until I read your post.
Well done, Phidelm. Marymary, how lovely to hear from you. I'm glad you found this interesting.
Well done, Phidelm. Marymary, how lovely to hear from you. I'm glad you found this interesting.
Apparently it is also called an ngannalarruni!, although I’m unaware of whether this term is in current use or not, as I don’t live in Sicily.
ngannalarruni = inganna + ladroni = deceiver (of) thieves
Why?
According to this site, it’s because the instrument’s sound was used to signal to others that they would have recongized some thieves (so as to be warned to stay on the lookout I presume); as well as to ward off the thieves themselves (sort of “I’ve seen you, I know who you are, beware”)
I’ve got one of these marranzani — I love it :)
Dwardu, that is very interesting. Thank you for the information and link. I'll try to find out if that term is in current use.
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