Baton for the "Giuoco del Ponte"
Culture
Italian
, Pisa
Dateperhaps 1700s
Mediumwood and paint
Dimensions72.1 × 4.1 cm (28 3/8 × 1 5/8 in.), 14 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.778
Description1-piece of hardwood, straight cut at bevelled ends. Painted over length with repeated, alternating yellow-ochre & black chevrons. Direction reverses on either face.Label TextThe Giuoco del Ponte was a mock battle held annually in Pisa on the Ponte di Mezzo, a bridge crossing the Arno River, from the Middle Ages until 1807. Residents were divided into two teams based on where they lived in relation to the river, and grouped into squadrons within the teams. The object of the battle was to push the opposing team off the bridge within forty-five minutes. Participants used the targone as their only weapon, pushing their opponents with it as well as using it as a shield. Targoni were decorated in the colors of the owner’s squadron. These targoni come from one of the last contests, held in 1776.ProvenanceProbably from the Museo Civico, Pisa Mr. John Wanamaker, New York purchased by John W. Higgins from Mr. John Wanamaker, Inc., New York on February 13, 1929. Given to the Armory on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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