技術文化にみる「ペロタ・ミシュテカ」の土着性

抄録

This study investigated the indigenousness of pelota mixteca, a ball game played in Oaxaca state, Mexico, focusing on the relationship between sports equipment and body techniques. One significant aspect of sports cultural studies is the study of sports techniques. The evolution of any given sport is accompanied by improvement and transformation of movement techniques and the invention of sports equipment. In early times, pelota mixteca players used their bare hands, as was the case in traditional European ball games. However, one man began to use a glove to protect his hand, and gradually other players came to adopt this practice. The glove was subsequently improved and its intended use changed from hand protection to hitting the ball harder. The ball was also modified so that it could fly further. These changes in equipment affected the body techniques used in the game. Before they began using a heavy glove and ball, it is quite likely that pelota mixteca players used the same hitting techniques as those seen in European ball games. After adopting the heavy glove and ball, the stroke style changed from swinging to punching or bouncing. These transformations in body techniques and sports equipment characterized the indigenousness of pelota mixteca.