Why a Moor in Rijeka? There are a couple of picturesque legends about this, but the most likely story is that this is a local version of similar ornaments from Venice when the fashion for exotica was at its height. While the Venetian “Moretto” was made of gold and expensively bejewelled, an enamel version within reach of modest purses became popular in this part of the world. It was a beloved ornament not only of women, but also for sailors, fisherman and only sons, who wore one in their right ear to protect them from evil.
