';
Francesco Carvelli

2023 – 2024

Mothers Of Marmo Platano

Bedroom Stories of Motherhood in Basilicata
Filomena Galella’s Bedroom #01, Baragiano, ITA – 2023

The Bedroom as a Sacred Space, The Soul of Maternal Identity

In Mothers of Marmo Platano, the bedroom becomes more than a room—it is a sacred space of memory and identity. It is where mothers forge their legacies, embody resilience, and weave traditions. These stories invite us into the quiet power of maternal life, where vulnerability and strength coexist, and where family traditions become timeless threads linking generations.

Listen to their stories

Assunta Colonna

Portrait of Assunta Colonna in Muro Lucano, reflecting on her deep family traditions and connection to her community.
Town: Muro Lucano
Date: 23 July 2023
Site: Capodigiano
Altitude: 650m
Population:
– 2020: ~5,000
– 1990: ~6,200
– 1970: ~7,500
– 1950: ~9,700

A Family’s Unbroken Thread

Assunta, born in 1934, has always centred her life around family. She cherishes traditions and resilience, finding strength in her family’s values of respect, unity, and togetherness. Despite changes in modern society, Assunta remains committed to her heritage. Her ability to bounce back is rooted in love and kinship, guiding her through life’s changes.

Maria Cristiano

Portrait of Maria Cristiano in Castelgrande, recounting her experiences of rural life and family resilience during wartime.
Town: Castelgrande
Date: 31 July 2023
Site: Via Appia
Altitude: 950m
Population:
– 2020: ~900
– 1990: ~1,200
– 1970: ~1,500
– 1950: ~2,000

A Heart Forged by War

Maria, born in 1935, was shaped by wartime challenges and rural poverty. She recalls long hours in the fields and simple meals that sustained her family. Despite changes in marriage traditions and family dynamics, Maria finds strength and gratitude in the enduring importance of family.

Vincenza Brunetti

Portrait of Vincenza Brunetti in Ruoti, reflecting on the importance of family unity and preserving traditions in a changing world.
Town: Ruoti
Date: 22 July 2023
Site: Castello
Altitude: 750m
Population:
– 2020: ~3,300
– 1990: ~3,800
– 1970: ~4,200
– 1950: ~5,400

Holding Tight to Traditions

Vincenza, born in 1940, treasures the customs and traditions of her life in Ruoti. She reminisces about her traditional marriage and the community ceremonies that marked her youth. As the world shifts toward individualism, Vincenza finds comfort in the enduring strength of family and the value of preserving the customs that bind generations together.

Filomena Galella

Portrait of Filomena Galella in Baragiano, part of the Mothers of Marmo Platano project, reflecting on community traditions.
Town: Baragiano
Date: 20 July 2023
Site: Paese
Altitude: 600m
Population:
– 2020: ~2,500
– 1990: ~2,800
– 1970: ~3,000
– 1950: ~3,800

Harmony in Community

Filomena, born in 1949, grew up enveloped by the warmth of Baragiano’s close-knit community. Her early years were filled with shared meals, hard work, and the comforting presence of family and neighbours. As modern life reshapes her once-thriving village, Filomena ponders the fading sense of togetherness and the importance of balancing cherished traditions with contemporary living.

Antonietta Farella

Portrait of Antonietta Farella in Baragiano, discussing the evolution of family traditions and marriage customs.
Town: Baragiano
Date: 24 July 2023
Site: Paese
Altitude: 600m
Population:
– 2020: ~2,500
– 1990: ~2,800
– 1970: ~3,000
– 1950: ~3,800

Adapting to Change

Antonietta, born in 1949, reflects on the simplicity of her childhood in Baragiano. She vividly recalls iron beds and corn-leaf mattresses, symbols of a bygone era. Observing changes in marriage traditions and family relationships, Antonietta encourages younger generations to harmonize tradition with modern life, emphasizing the power of communication and connection.

Maria Salvia

Portrait of Maria Salvia in Balvano, discussing the role of bedrooms as sacred spaces of family history.
Town: Balvano
Date: 26 July 2023
Site: Piazza Garibaldi
Altitude: 425m
Population:
– 2020: ~1,700
– 1990: ~2,000
– 1970: ~2,500
– 1950: ~3,500

The Sacred Bedroom

Born in 1953, Maria views the bedroom as a hallowed space preserving her family’s history. From the delicate rituals of preparing the bridal bed to heirlooms passed down through generations, she balances honouring the past with embracing change. For Maria, the bedroom is more than a place to rest—it’s a vessel of tradition and reverence.

Lucia Vallario

Portrait of Lucia Vallario in Pescopagano, reflecting on the matrilineal wisdom passed down through generations.
Town: Pescopagano
Date: 31 July 2023
Site: Chiesa di San Leonardo
Altitude: 950m
Population:
– 2020: ~1,700
– 1990: ~2,000
– 1970: ~2,700
– 1950: ~3,600

Tales from Mothers

Born in 1954, Lucia cherishes the deep significance of customs handed down by the women in her family. Her memories are rich with respect for her ancestors, from crafting bridal linens to daily rituals imbued with wisdom. Lucia believes women’s strength lies in adapting while staying true to themselves amid a rapidly changing world.

Giovanna Nardiello

Portrait of Giovanna Nardiello in Bosco Grande, Ruoti, reflecting on the evolution of women’s roles and family dynamics.
Town: Ruoti
Date: 25 July 2023
Site: Bosco Grande
Altitude: 850m
Population:
– 2020: ~3,300
– 1990: ~3,800
– 1970: ~4,200
– 1950: ~5,400

From Tradition to Freedom

Giovanna, born in 1956, speaks openly about her transition from a tradition-bound childhood to the freedoms embraced by modern women. Reflecting on handmade dowries and marriage customs, she contemplates society’s significant progress. While navigating contemporary family life, Giovanna prioritizes respect and open communication, staying true to her cultural roots.

Maria Damiano

Portrait of Maria Damiano in Bosco Grande, Ruoti, reflecting on her life of hard work and family unity.
Town: Ruoti
Date: 25 July 2023
Site: Bosco Grande
Altitude: 900m
Population:
– 2020: ~3,300
– 1990: ~3,800
– 1970: ~4,200
– 1950: ~5,400

Strength Though Hardship

Maria, born in 1961, looks back on a life shaped by labour in the fields and unbreakable family bonds. Growing up, her days were filled with work and the enduring principles passed down through generations. Maria’s story highlights her resilience and deep appreciation for the family’s support during challenging times.

Daniela Troiano

Portrait of Daniela Troiano in Baragiano Scalo, reflecting on her personal journey and connection with her daughters.
Town: Baragiano
Date: 19 July 2023
Site: Scalo
Altitude: 400m
Population:
– 2020: ~2,500
– 1990: ~2,800
– 1970: ~3,000
– 1950: ~3,800

Chambers of Connection

Daniela, born in 1973, sees her bedroom as a sanctuary for reflection and deep bonding with her daughters. While she has stepped away from some traditional practices, she embraces others that resonate with her journey. To Daniela, the bedroom is more than a resting place—it’s a sacred space where she cultivates rituals and strengthens family ties.

Maria Teresa Scaringi

Portrait of Maria Teresa Scaringi in Bella, sharing her journey of blending modern motherhood with traditional family values.
Town: Bella
Date: 31 July 2023
Site: Castello
Altitude: 650m
Population:
– 2020: ~4,500
– 1990: ~5,000
– 1970: ~5,500
– 1950: ~6,700

A Modern Mother’s Tale

Maria Teresa, born in 1980, seamlessly blends modernity with tradition. Raised in a conventional household, she now balances the values ingrained in her youth with the demands of contemporary parenting. Her reflections on marriage and family dynamics offer fresh insight into how cultural shifts shape her life, all while holding onto cherished traditions.

CREDITS

Daniela Troiano • Filomena Galella • Antonietta Farella • Assunta Colonna • Giovanna Nardiello • Vincenza Brunetta • Maria Damiano • Maria Salvia • Maria Cristiano • Maria Teresa Scaringi • Lucia Vallario • Giovanna Musano • Giovanna Vallario • Concetta Montano • Catia Ricci • Stefania Carvelli • Nicoletta Giordano • Alessandro Bove • Sabrina Maag • Maria Troiano • Felice Faraone • Letizia Maulà • Teresa Rado • Luigi Caramiello • Alberto Baldi • Floriana Daranno • Stefano Capece • Giuseppe Gentilesca • Domenico Pizzichillo • Rossella Potenza • Francesco Vertucci • Gerardina Pacella • Chicca Carvelli • Martina Mignone • Franca Colosimo • Rincen Caravacci • Jasmine Bälder • Mabel Vonk • Donatella Cardone • Arianna Ramundo • Angela Teta • Mirco Mellinch • Don Jose Conti • Carola Ureta Marin • Eleni Pisano • Mariano Lizzadro • Gianfranco Lizzadro • Laura Flores • Michele Banal • Rocco Scavone • Riccardo Satriano • Massimiliano Cassese • Giuseppina Nardiello • Marianna Catapano • Martijn Van Beelen • Corrado Colosimo • Helena Carrizosa • Pietro Rocco Gabriele • Concetta Montano • Nicola Paradiso • Maria Cristiano • Marsaye Treen • Giuseppina Cristiano • Francesco Gonnella • Lea Lotano • Giovanni Lotano • Nicoletta Faraone • Angelo Scaringi • Gina Carlucci • Gina Salinardi • Angela Satriano • Maria Rosaria Marcone • Francesca Satriano • Luciano Figliulo • Marialba Guglielmi • Nadia Berardi • Francesca Tortoriello • Melina Troiano • Enzina Troiano • Alex Rado • Paola Bianchi • Luciana Salinardi • Anna Picardi • Rocco Sapienza • Giuseppe Restuccia • Valentina Faraone • Associazione Recupero Tradizioni Ruotesi • Associazione Lucana Stuttgart • Federazione delle Associazioni Lucane in Germania • Federico II, Università di Napoli • Comune di Baragiano • Comune di Ruoti • Comune di Bella • Comune di Muro Lucano • Comune di Balvano • Comune di Castelgrande • Comune di Pescopagano

My Heartfelt Thanks!

It’s a privilege to share these visual stories with you, showcasing and celebrating the incredible diversity of our world and the things that unite us.

If you share my passion for stories, or if you’d like to know the person behind these images, share your thoughts, leave a comment, or stay connected.

Take a moment to visit my ‘About Me‘ page. Let’s start this creative journey together.

logo