The ball game, perhaps ritually signifying the
transit of the sun and moon between the
celestial and terrestrial spheres, was an
important event in Meso-American culture,
considered necessary to maintain the cosmic
cycle. The game was both a sport and a
sacrificial ritual. Made out of heavy stone, the
hacha was possibly used as an extra burden of
weight to test the physical prowess of the player.
In fact, relief sculptures and terracotta figures
show axe-shaped objects attached to ball-
players’ belts, which were used as deflectors and
protectors. The game itself used a large rubber
ball that could be hit by the elbows, knees or
hips but could not be touched by the hands or
feet. This is one of the earliest types of hachas
that were characteristically larger and rounder
than later flat, axe-shaped examples. Some
scholars believe that the origin of hachas might
be traced back to trophy heads as this early
example implies. This magnificent hacha likely
depicts the head of a man covered in a mask
representing an avian deity with a large central
crest crowning his head. However, the depth of
the barren eye sockets, recalling those of a skull,
imply that this might depict a mythological being
or deity related to death. In addition, the high
cheekbones and prominent brow convey a
powerful expression befitting of such a
mythological god. A few traces of red pigment
are still visible, most noticeable on the mouth
and crest. The beauty and intricate carving of
this hacha reveals the ceremonial significance of
the ball game in the daily lives of Ancient Meso-
Americans.
- (PF.6056)
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