ART 198 - HISTORY OF WORLD CERAMICS

This polychrome cylinder vase shows a ritual ball game in progress. A ruler named Sac-Muan (not visible in this view, standing off to the left), takes part in a ball game to commemorate his becoming a 'great lineage member'. He and the main figure shown here are wearing protective clothing consisting of deer hide kilts, and thick, padded waist protectors called yokes. The rather outsized ball can be seen at left, shown as a large black circle. The ball was rubber, and the object of the game was to put the ball through a stone hoop mounted high on a wall and perpendicular to the ground. Players could use their shoulders, hips, legs, and heads, but not their hands, similar to the rules of soccer. The player in the lower center perhaps has fallen or is simply positioning himself to hit the ball. He wears on his head the head of a deer, usually a sacrificial animal, and this may indicate that he is to be sacrificed. Another interpretation is that this represents a clan lineage, or simply a team affiliation, not unlike today's sports teams. Other interesting features of this piece are the horizontal lines painted on the light, cream colored slip. These indicate risers, like stadium seating, and if you visit the Maya archaeological sites, you can still see these stone seating areas flanking the ball courts. Seated at various heights in the stands are 3 spectators, two of which are involved in an animated conversation. Perhaps they are betting on the outcome? Note the many, wavy lines emanating from the figures. These indicate speech. Note the lines lead to hieroglyphics. It is through pottery such as this that the people of this time so long ago can still speak to us.

Maya Polychrome Cylinder with Ball Game Players and Spectators, Classic Maya Period, 600-800 CE, from Motul de San Jose