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Ball player figure

Dateca. AD 250–550
MediumCeramic
Dimensions11 5/8 x 4 x 2 1/2 inches (29.5 x 10.2 x 6.4 cm)
CultureHuastec (Mexico)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Intermercado Limitada
Terms
  • México
  • Ceramics
  • Ceramic
  • Athletes
  • Earrings
  • Necklaces
  • Loincloths
  • Huastec
Object number70.043
Label CopyThis figurine of a Huastec ballplayer wears the characteristic athletic gear worn by players of the Mesoamerican ball game, a thick yoke around his waist, a kneepad on the left knee, and a loincloth, the typical garment worn by men in this society. His hair is arranged in an elaborate coiffure or headdress, and he also wears star-shaped earrings or ear plugs, and a necklace. All known ballplayer figures are male, like this one, and it appears that this sport was only played by men.
Collections
Seated male figure
A.D. 550-750
Group with human figures and dogs
Unidentified artist
100 B.C.-A.D. 250
Shrine effigy with seated figures
Unidentified artist
ca. 100 B.C. - 250 A.D.
Ball game yoke
Unidentified artist
ca. 600–900
Were-jaguar with half-mask
Unidentified artist
150 BC–AD 250
Incised panel bowl
A.D. 750-950
Chaak deity plate
A.D. 550-950