Cudgel for the "Giuoco del Ponte"
Culture
Italian
, Pisa
Date1775–1780
Mediumwood and paint
Dimensions53.3 × 13.3 cm (21 × 5 1/4 in.), 1 lb 2 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsBoth sides painted in chevrony pattern of green and white, as HAM # 720. See description for details.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.776
Description1 piece of paddle-shaped wood. Rounded at top, sides taper in shallow, concave curves to mid-length, where edges are bevelled to form handle of oblong section. This flares out slightly at its end, which is carved in slightly fishtail shape (cf. form to Kienbusch example). Handle is transversely pierced through the faces with irregularly-shaped hole for thong. Both faces are painted in chevrony pattern of green & white (the colors of Dragoni squadron of the south), which extends over sides; handle is solid green.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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