Txalaparta

"Two vertical pillars of carved sandstone serve as a base for a horizontal txalaparta carved from acacia wood. One of the pillars bears the symbols of Basque fishermen, the whale and the boat, as well as an Indian's head (symbol of the universality of races) and his canoe. The second pillar is pierced by a well of light, symbol of the transfer of a serpent (Heresungue, from Basque mythology) and spiritual energy between its base (our material universe) and the immaterial space.
[...] In this spirit, this strong sculpture now stands on the pediment where the clacking of the pelota and the echo of the sound generated by the two txalaparta players will mingle."
Text and photo ©Jean Pouyet