1632
Mayan ceramic vessel with ballplayer
3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum
- Title:
- Mayan ceramic vessel with ballplayer
- Production place:
- Yucatan
- Date:
- 700 - 800
- Title:
- Mayan ceramic vessel with ballplayer
- Production place:
- Yucatan
- Date:
- 700 - 800
- Material:
- Ceramic
- Technique:
- Coiling, Carving, Burnishing
- Dimensions:
- 16.8 × 18 × 18 cm
- Diameter:
- 18 cm
The Mayans made this type of small, high-status vase for a period of less than 100 years. These Chocholá style vases had deeply carved decoration and occasionally colours were added.
It depicts a ballplayer ready to strike an incoming ball in the characteristic pose for the sport. He wears protective gear with a thick belt (yoke) and an impressive, feathered headdress. The dedicatory hieroglyphic text on the rim names him as the owner of a vessel for cacao, the drink of rulers and nobles.
