Decorated wooden cup and ball toy (Balero), made in Mexico in 2012

The Balero consists of a wooden handle with two lines burnt into the surface. On the tip of the handle the wood is thinner, allowing it to slip inside the ball which is attached by a piece of thick, white string.
The barrell-shaped ball has been painted with green and black paint, and decorated by carving into the painted surface to reveal the wood underneath. On the top of the ball, concentric circles have been carved out, with the words 'Great Britain' in between. Around the sides of the ball the word 'Mexico' is carved at the top, followed by a striped floral pattern in the centre of the ball. Finally at the bottom of the ball there is 'Sept. 2012' carved into the surface.

Given by the Embassy of Mexico in London

The Balero is a traditional Mexican toy similar in design to the cup and ball.

This example was specially commissioned by the Mexican Government, and only two were made dedicated to Great Britain. It is not designed to be a toy but was handmade in collaboration with three Mexican artists. It is a gift to the Museum from the Embassy of Mexico in London.

The Balero was commissioned by the Mexican Government but actually handmade by three different unknown Mexican artists.

Only two were made specially dedicated to Great Britain.

The Balero is a traditional Mexican toy similar to the cup and ball seen in Britain and Europe. This particular example was specially commissioned by the Mexican Government in collaboration with three Mexican artists, and only two were made dedicated to Great Britain.

B.353-2013