The Arte degli Oliandoli e Pizzicagnoli was one of the Arti Minori. It brought together food merchants, oil producers, and artisans who created household products.
Production of Oil and Salt
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Oliandoli (Oil Merchants): They managed oil mills (frantoi) and sold olive oil produced on the Florentine hills. The olives were hand-picked and ground using large stones.
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Salaioli (Salt Merchants): They managed the salt trade, which was a highly profitable government monopoly. Salt arrived by ship (along the Arno River) or from the salt pans of Volterra.
Foodstuffs
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Caciaiuoli (Cheesemongers): Sellers of fresh and aged cheeses.
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Pizzicagnoli (Delicatessen Merchants): They specialized in cured meats and salted meats, but also sold various items such as ropes, arrows, and glassware.
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Ortolani (Greengrocers): Sellers of fruit and vegetables grown in the fields near the city walls.
Lighting and Hygiene
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Ceraioli and Sevaioli (Chandlers): The former made high-quality wax candles for churches and wealthy homes; the latter used tallow (sego—animal fat) for cheaper candles.
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Saponai (Soap Makers): They produced soap for personal hygiene and for treating textiles (wool and silk).
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Coat of Arms: A red lion rampant.
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Patron Saint: Saint Bartholomew the Apostle.
