Pre-Columbian Bowl

Shallow terracotta bowl, on a hollow, low-footed base; the burnished light interior surface, with painted design in rust color, is divided into quarters with two male figures with square heads and protruding hair, facing each other and each holding what resembles a racquet.

This rare terracotta bowl depicts figures holding what appear to be racquets, and may reference the game known as the “Mesoamerican Ball Game.” Though tennis has its origins in Europe, ball games existed throughout the world. With the Age of Exploration beginning in the 15th century, elements of other foreign games may have influenced the development of tennis.