Museum of the Cuchi - Museum of the Terracotta Whistle

Very characteristic is the Museo dei Cuchi  (Museum of the Terracotta Whistle) in Cesuna, in the municipality of Roana in the province of Vicenza, which displays multiple samples of an object unknown to most but which has a long history: from the original function of imitation of birds in prehistoric times, it was later used also as a superstitious trinket to ward off demons, but also predators from crops, until the last use as a game for children or token of love.

he Museo dei Cuchi di Cesuna is the richest collection of popular terracotta whistles that can be visited. Over 12,000 pieces, from all over the world and from very distant times, reconstruct the history of these wind instruments, protagonists of superstitious rites, toys or amorous pawns.

The cuchi (popular wind instruments) carry with them a long history, so much so that the phrase "vecio come el cuco" was born. Invented to imitate birds, to ward off evil spirits or as a defense used by farmers against crop predators, to the point of becoming a child's game or a love pledge.

The idea of ​​a museum of cuchi (popular wind instruments) stems from the pleasure of carrying out, as far as possible, the long history that these whistles carry with them, so much so that the phrase "vecio come el cuco" was born.

The cuchi are linked to traditions from all over the world. They are found in Latin America, Asia and Europe. In Italy they are mainly present in Veneto. In the locality of Cesuna di Roana the Museo dei cuchi is open. Every year, on April 25, the feast of San Marco, in Canove, of which San Marco is the patron saint, the festival of the popular whistle is held.

The cuco is a terracotta whistle and is one of the popular instruments.

In spite of its simplicity, it has a long history dating back to the prehistoric age, when it was invented to imitate the songs of birds, or as a defense of farmers against crop predators, but also as a superstitious object that wards off evil spirits and marks the transition from life to death.

An unusual museum, to be discovered between art and magic.

Map: Museum of the Cuchi - Museum of the Terracotta Whistle