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Siena, Italy - Contrada - Selva (Wood)
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Siena, Italy - Contrada - Selva (Wood)
Standard bearer of the Contrada of Selva (Wood), 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 1903
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Media ID 18951963
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015
Bearer Contrada Contrade Districts Leggings Loyalty Selva Siena Standard Striped Symbol Symbology
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, the standard bearer of Siena, Italy's Contrada of Selva (Wood) proudly displays his colorful banner, adorned with the green and yellow stripes, intricate patterns, and the symbol of a tree trunk, emblematic of the contrada's name. The year is circa 1903, and the image captures the rich history and tradition of the Contrade system in Siena, a unique aspect of the city's cultural heritage. The Contrade, or districts, of Siena are an integral part of the city's identity. Each resident is born into one of the seventeen districts, and their lives revolve around it. The contrade are named after animals or symbols, each with their own complex heraldic and semi-mythological associations. The Contrada of Selva, represented by the tree trunk, is one such district. The contrade come together in the famous Palio horse race, a thrilling event that takes place twice a year. The race is held in the Piazza del Campo, and the tight, winding streets of the city provide a dangerous and exhilarating backdrop. The standard bearer, dressed in colorful leggings and a striped tunic, carries the contrada's flag with pride, symbolizing the deep-rooted loyalty and fierce competition among the districts. This photograph is a testament to the enduring allure of Siena's Contrade system, a living piece of history that continues to captivate visitors and locals alike. The intricate designs, vibrant colors, and rich symbolism of the contrada flags serve as a reminder of the deep-rooted traditions and the strong sense of community that define this remarkable Italian city.
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