Decapitation as Symbol: From Hindu Myth to Ragusa's Identity
An unnamed author explores themes of decapitation in both art and history, specifically in Ragusa, Sicily. The essay opens with the phrase "ha perso la testa," linking it to Donald Trump, and juxtaposes this with the Hindu goddess Chinnamastā and the beheading of Ganesha by Shiva. The discussion includes regicide and the Christian cult of relics, particularly emphasizing the severed head of John the Baptist. Following the 1693 earthquake, a relic of the Baptist's head, preserved by silversmiths Paolo and Cesare Aversa, served as a beacon for the citizens of Ragusa Superiore during their reconstruction efforts. In 1933, artist Duilio Cambellotti incorporated it into decorations, while Fulvio Merolli designed a plate for a recent exhibition. Additionally, Franco Fasoli's mural from 2019 portrays St. George, promoting reconciliation among rival groups.
Key facts
- The phrase 'ha perso la testa' is used frequently regarding Donald Trump.
- Hindu goddess Chinnamastā self-decapitates to symbolize ego-immolation.
- Ganesha's decapitation by Shiva and replacement with an elephant head represents enlightenment.
- Ancient rituals required the king to die at signs of weakness to transfer sovereignty.
- Christianity offers relic cults, like the severed head of John the Baptist, as an alternative.
- After the 1693 earthquake in Ragusa, citizens carried a relic of John the Baptist's head to a new city site.
- The reliquary for the Baptist's head was made by silversmiths Paolo and Cesare Aversa.
- Duilio Cambellotti used the Baptist's head in his 1933 decorations for Palazzo della Prefettura in Ragusa.
- Cambellotti designed a never-realized stained-glass window for Ragusa Cathedral showing the Baptist resurrected with head reattached.
- Fulvio Merolli created a splatter plate with the Baptist's head for a show at Museo della Cattedrale di Ragusa.
- Franco Fasoli's 2019 mural 'San Giorgio e il Terremoto' for FestiWall depicts St. George taming a dragon representing the earthquake.
- The mural is placed at the entrance to Ragusa Superiore, referencing the city's split after 1693.
- Fasoli stated the mural aims to reconcile the two factions of Ragusa (Ibla and Ragusa Superiore).
- The mural includes a detail of the princess carrying the Baptist's head, suggesting a theft of identity.
Entities
Artists
- Duilio Cambellotti
- Fulvio Merolli
- Franco Fasoli
- Paolo Aversa
- Cesare Aversa
- TvBoy
Institutions
- Museo della Cattedrale di Ragusa
- Palazzo della Prefettura (Ragusa)
- Cattedrale di Ragusa
- FestiWall
Locations
- Ragusa
- Sicily
- Italy
- Ibla
- Ragusa Superiore
- India