Figure Item Number: 2956/124 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Ceramic figure of a purple rooster, or cockerel, with a red comb and a heart-shaped designs on the body.

Iconographic Meaning

Domingos Côto (1877–1959) made the first rooster in 1935. They soon became the emblematic image of Portugal, buoyed by their popularity and the dictatorship’s enthusiasm for creating a uniquely Portuguese rural decorative style. Ubiquitous toy whistles, widely commented on in the 19th century, sometimes also took the form of roosters. The rooster embodies often stated Portuguese characteristics such as honesty, integrity, trust, and humour.