Ancient football artifact: oldest ball in the world is displayed in Miami for Brazil’s game against Scotland
The oldest known football artifact made a journey from Scotland to Florida in the United States, taking part in the events leading up to the crucial clash between Scotland and Brazil in the World Cup.
The object, estimated to have been made between the years 1540 and 1570, was revealed during the 1970s, when it was confined between the beams of Stirling Castle.
The historic item will remain on display at the Coral Gables Museum until next Saturday, June 27th. In addition, there will be a special show during the game between Brazil and Scotland, scheduled for this Wednesday, June 24th, starting at 7pm (Brasília time).
The relic was donated to the museum by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, an institution where it appears as the main highlight of a collection that exceeds 40 thousand pieces.
Officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest specimen on the planet, the object has dimensions approximately those of a small melon.
Its composition includes segments of robust leather, which cover a porcine bladder inside.
The dating of the relic places it in the period of King James 5th of Scotland and the young Mary Stuart, the 16th century Scottish queen, who resided in the castle’s chambers in her childhood.
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“It is likely that, in the 1540s, someone kicked the ball with such force that it ended up stuck in the ceiling. The period coincides with the time when Mary, Queen of Scots, resided in the castle, and the find occurred precisely in the queen’s chambers”, details Aiofe McKenna, curator at Stirling Smith.
“Although we can’t be completely sure, it’s nice to think that Mary had fun with this object,” adds McKenna.
Historical documents indicate that an early form of football enjoyed popularity in Scotland as early as the 15th century.
“At that time, people enjoyed football with the same enthusiasm as they do today, however, the sport was significantly different and much more aggressive,” says McKenna.
She adds: “Even so, its vast popularity did not diminish. On the contrary, the game was immensely widespread. Several Scottish monarchs tried to veto it due to the great disorder it generated.”
The artifact is part of the exhibition “Diplomacy and the Beautiful Game: From Scotland to Brazil to Haiti”, currently on display at the museum located in Florida.
McKenna said: “The presence of the ball in the context of the clash between Scotland and Brazil is truly moving. […] Countless visitors come especially to admire the object, so football enthusiasts are already aware of its location. […] However, our expectation is that this initiative will bring its narrative to a wide audience, who may be unaware that the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is the custodian of this treasure.”
The Tartan Army, nickname of Scotland’s fervent fans, arrived in Miami to watch the Scottish team’s last match in the group stage, after recording a 1-0 victory over Haiti and a 1-0 defeat to Morocco.
