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Siena, Italy - Costume of the Contrada dell Istrice
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Siena, Italy - Costume of the Contrada dell Istrice
Costumes of the Contrada of Istrice (Porcupine), Siena, Italy. At birth you become a member of one of the 17 Contrade (Districts) and your life revolves around your Contrada. Each contrada is named after an animal or symbol with individual (and complicated!) heraldic and semi-mythological associations and devices. The contrade race against each other in the famous horse race the Palio around the tight (and dangerous) streets of the city. Date: circa 1910s
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Media ID 18072939
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Bearer Contrada Contrade Districts Loyalty Porcupine Siena Standard Symbol Symbology
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph transports us back in time to the charming Italian city of Siena during the 1910s, where the rich traditions and deep-rooted history of the Contrade (Districts) come to life. The image showcases the vibrant and intricately designed costume of the Contrada dell'Istrice, or the Contrada of the Porcupine. Siena is a city steeped in history, where at birth, each resident becomes a member of one of the seventeen Contrade. These districts have been an integral part of the community for centuries, shaping the lives of its people. Each contrada is named after an animal or symbol, and the Contrada dell'Istrice takes its name from the porcupine. The heraldic and semi-mythological associations and devices of each contrada are complex and unique. The people of the Contrada dell'Istrice take immense pride in their identity, and their loyalty to their district is unwavering. The contrade participate in the famous Palio horse race, a thrilling and dangerous event where the districts compete against each other in a heart-pounding race around the narrow and winding streets of the city. In this photograph, we see the standard-bearer of the Contrada dell'Istrice proudly displaying the contrada's flag. The flag, adorned with the image of a porcupine, is a symbol of strength, resilience, and unity for the members of the contrada. The intricate patterns and rich colors of the costume add to the overall grandeur and allure of the Sienese tradition. This photograph is a beautiful reminder of the enduring spirit and rich history of the Contrade of Siena, a testament to the deep-rooted traditions that continue to shape the lives of its people.
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