Chistera Onena - Cesta Ribs

The ribs of the txistra are what give it shape. The curvature and dimensions of the txistra are not bound by any regulations; they are shaped by a player's preferences and playing style. A txistra width of four inches, an inch wider than the pelota, is common. Backcourt players tend to prefer larger baskets because it allows them to throw harder and harder over a longer distance. Smaller baskets are lighter and easier to control, making them a better fit for a frontcourt player who needs speed and accuracy. The use of the txistra (chistera, cesta) in zesta punta (cesta-punta, jai alai) is attributed to Jean Dithurbide. Prior to 1857, the wicker basket used in his modification was traditionally used to pick grapes. It became popular because it reduces player fatigue in handball associated with the use of traditional heavy leather gloves and allows participants to hurl the ball faster and farther with less effort. The game held a Guinness World Record for the fastest ball speed (302 km/h, 188 mph) from 1979-2009. The manufacture of a txistra requires 20-25 hours per basket. The Gonzalez family factory, pictured here, was established in 1887 and is the only one of its kind in France. It has been passed from one generation to the next through patrilineal inhereitance.