Ceremonial Mace, probably for the "Giuoco del Ponte"

Ceremonial Mace, probably for the "Giuoco del Ponte"

Culture Italian , perhaps Pisa

Date1700s

Mediumwood and paint

Dimensions62.2 × 13.3 cm (24 1/2 × 5 1/4 in.), 11 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.780

DescriptionFormed of 1 piece of wood, except for flanges which are glued. Head is of 8 triangular plain flanges, surmounted by conical, octagonal-section finial with short necked base below. At base of flanges is molded turn from which extends octagonal-section haft, pierced transversely near the bottom. Base of haft finished as divided octagonal ferrule. Cylindrical grip cut in trellis-work of diamond-shaped checkering & terminates in squat, onion-shaped truncated knob. Painted reddish-brown overall, on gessoed ground.
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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