Home > Europe > France > Sport > Tennis
Basque Region of France - Pelota game in progress
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Basque Region of France - Pelota game in progress
The Basque game of Pelota played in front of a large crowd in Basque France. Pelota in Spanish, pilota in Basque and Catalan, or pelote in French (from Latin pila) is a name for a variety of court sports played with a ball using ones hand, a racket, a wooden bat (Argentine paleta and pala corta), or a basket propulsor, against a wall, or, more traditionally, with two teams face to face separated by a line on the ground or a net. Their roots can be traced to the Greek and other ancient cultures, but in Europe they all derive from real tennis. One of the fastest ball games in the world. Date: circa 1920s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 11587637
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Argentine Ball Basque Fast Fronton Jacques Pala Pelota Racket Region Regional Spectators Speed Pelote
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> France
> Sport
> Tennis
> Popular Themes
> Tennis
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the excitement and energy of a Pelota game in progress in the Basque Region of France during the 1920s. Pelota, also known as pilota in Basque and Catalan, or pelote in French, is a traditional court sport that has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman cultures, but is believed to have originated from real tennis. The game is played with a ball, either using one's hand, a racket, a wooden bat (Argentine paleta, pala corta), or a basket propulsor, against a wall or, more traditionally, with two teams facing each other across a line on the ground or a net. The Basque Country, located in the southwestern corner of France and the northern part of Spain, is renowned for its unique cultural traditions, including the sport of Pelota. This fast-paced game requires great skill, agility, and hand-eye coordination, making it one of the fastest ball games in the world. In this photograph, a large crowd gathers to watch the action unfold in front of a traditional fronton, or Pelota court. The players, focused intently on the game, use their rackets and skillful hand movements to send the ball back and forth across the net or against the wall. The wooden bat, or xistera, is also visible in the background, used in other variations of the game. The rich history of Pelota is reflected in the classic attire of the players and the traditional setting of the court. The game has remained an integral part of Basque culture and continues to be played and enjoyed by generations of fans and players alike.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
