Foddai Donation

A skilled craftsman, sea-lover and professional in coral fishing using just an ice axe, Raffaele Foddai, known as Fefele, nurtured his own curiosity and creative dexterity during his studies at the Istituto d'Arte.

Using a grinding wheel and chisel he created jewels and small sculptures from coral, but also from gold, silver, pearls and precious stones; some of which are now present in the museum's permanent collection, donated by his heirs. Their forms are inspired by sea creatures, both real such as abyssal fish, and mythical like Polyphemus, but also by allegorical figures such as ‘the cycle of life’. In addition, some underwater equipment used by Fefele when fishing for this precious raw material is also exhibited.