Xysto 17

Unknown artist

A Xysto (plural Xysta, meaning "scratches") mostly consists of black and white decorative motifs in different shapes. It is a form of decorating the facades of the buildings of the village, of Pyrgi, at the island of Chios, in Greece. Xysta are made of various black and white shapes. They start from the middle of the house doors and extend upwards, covering most of the facade. It is a style that is believed to be of Italian - Genoese - origin (sgraffito). The tradition of Xysta is of great importance for the inhabitants of Pyrgi as they are connected to their identity.