La Mattanza: Traditional Tuna Fishing in Sicily

In the channel between Levanzo and Favignana a spectacular tuna fishing method has been practiced since prehistory. Here are some videos showing how the fishermen used net traps leading to a square pen (camera della morte = death chamber).

The last mattanza took place in Favignana in 2007, according to Maurizio d'Atri (Sicily and the Sea).

 

Video: Spectacular Tuna Fishing (1932)

Video: Tunny Season Opens In Sicily (1949)

Video: Favignana Pesca del Tonno

 

 

Spectacular tuna fishing (1932)

Source: British Pathé

 

As the floor of the House of Death was gradually hoisted up, the fishermen sang songs of ancient Arabic origin (Ajamola Ajamola - Come, o my Creator, help us - etc.)

 

Tunny Season Opens In Sicily (1949)

 

Favignana Pesca del Tonno

 

 

 

Tuna fish salesman (Mandralisca Museum, Cefalù).

Tuna fish salesman (Mandralisca Museum, Cefalù).

Photo: Per-Erik Skramstad / Wonders of Sicily