The siurell: origins and tradition of the symbol of Mallorcan craftsmanship
The siurell is one of the most traditional and recognisable figures in Mallorca. These small clay figurines, painted in white, green and red, have been part of Mallorcan folk art for centuries and have become one of the island’s most authentic symbols.
What is a siurell?
It is a hand-crafted clay figure, usually representing a human figure or an animal. It is typically between 7 and 20 cm tall, with a base shaped like a whistle.
How is a Mallorcan siurell made?
They are made by hand from clay, and once they have been shaped, they are fired in a kiln to harden them. They are then dipped in liquid lime, which leaves the figure completely white except for the mouth of the whistle at the back. Finally, red and green stripes are painted on, giving them a colourful and distinctive look. The shapes and expressions of the figures are somewhat simple, but they are very funny.
You can watch our mini-documentary on the Mallorcan siurell here: The Siurell
Possible uses of the siurell throughout history
Some theories suggest that it may have been used by shepherds to communicate with their animals, although this is unlikely given the fragility of the pottery and its relatively large size.
It is also speculated that it originally had a religious purpose, and that over time it came to be used for other purposes, such as decoration or as a toy for children from humble families. Today, it is primarily a decorative souvenir, very typical of Mallorca.
The origins of the siurell: a tradition dating back thousands of years
Its origins most likely date back to the Bronze Age, linked to very similar objects typical of Minoan Cretan pottery, as similar pieces have been found in Sardinia, Ibiza and Crete. It would be logical to assume that the Mallorcan siurell evolved from figures brought to the Balearic Islands by the Phoenicians.
The figures from Crete can be seen in the Heraklion Museum and come from the excavations at the Palace of Knossos.
The two very ancient figures shown above belonged to the personal collection of the famous palaeontologist Inocencio Sarrión Montañana, curator at the Museum of Prehistory in Valencia, who died in 2017.
Where to buy siurells in Mallorca
In the past, it was common in Mallorca for women to make them by hand, often with the help of children. It was traditional to buy them on 30 June at the Sanctuary of Sa Cabaneta (Marratxi), coinciding with the festivities of Sant Marçal.
Nowadays, Pórtol (Marratxi), a small village with a long tradition of pottery, is the main place to find artisans who craft them with great care.
But if you find siurells charming, you can buy them in many shops all over the island. They’ll make a lovely souvenir of your stay here or a fantastic gift steeped in tradition and history.
The siurell, one of Mallorca’s greatest symbols
The siurell is one of those little objects that even captivated great figures in the art world, such as Joan Miró, who was deeply enamoured with our island.
Today, siurells are a true symbol of the popular spirit of Mallorca: craftsmanship, colour, simplicity and tradition.
Just as with its cuisine and local produce, the island still preserves unique customs that are well worth discovering. Follow the link to visit our online shop: Discover the best gourmet products from Mallorca
If you’re interested in learning about Joan Miró’s legacy in Mallorca, follow the link: Joan Miró and Mallorca