Pratos Falantes

The Feira do Prato Falante provided the opportunity to collaborate for the first time with anthropologist Maria Manuela Restivo on a joint publication. She researched the historical production of these objects, and we gathered examples of antique plates alongside the creations resulting from this exhibition.

“We are unaware of publications in Portugal exclusively dedicated to this specific category of objects—talking plates. This is perhaps unsurprising, as talking plates, a term used in some studies, are likely as old as ceramic production itself, transcending periods, geographical origins, and cultural contexts.

The desire to communicate through material culture dates back to the existence of humanity as we know it today, as evidenced by prehistoric cave paintings. Identifying the first talking plate in Portuguese history would, therefore, be a futile exercise. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify moments when talking plates seem to gain greater relevance, whether in quantity or in the specifics of their production. This is precisely the exercise that motivated us to create this publication, intertwining historical examples with their contemporary counterparts.”

Maria Manuela Restivo is an anthropologist and researcher. She holds a degree in Anthropology from the University of Coimbra, a master’s in Museology from the University of Porto, and a PhD in Heritage Studies – Art History from the same university, funded by an FCT scholarship (2017–2022). She conducts research, curates exhibitions, and publishes works focused on popular and vernacular artistic practices. Maria is currently an integrated researcher at CRIA under the CEEC programme (2024–2030).

Pratos Falantes
Coordinated by Felipa Almeida and Maria Manuela Restivo
Published by Casa do Vinhal – Estúdio do Alhures
64 pages, in Portuguese
Price: €14

Pick-up available in Campo de Ourique by appointment.