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Ball Player Effigy

Maya, Jaina Island, Campeche, Mexico
(c. 550-950 A.D.)
Painted Terra Cotta
Gift of Mr. and Mr.Leroy J. Pearlman

Standing only nine inches high on an oblong base, the stocky figure of an alert Mayan athlete has been poised to begin a ceremonial ball game for more than one thousand years. His elaborate head dress, protective shirt, kilt with breech panel, large spondylus shell necklace and decorative ear flares all indicate his high status. The beard indicates that this figure is an adult. The raised lines on his face represent either face painting or tattoos, which were used to transform a human into a god or supernatural being. Over his right shoulder, the ball player carries a yoke with a protruding "palma" thrusting upwards. During the game, the yoke was worn at the waist to protect the athletes from a solid rubber ball; perhaps this figure is approaching the ball court and is yet to put the yoke in place.

Where was this figure found?

Although there are no records of the exact archeological site from which this figure was taken, the style of the piece indicates that it is from Jaina Island, off the west coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico. The entire island served as a Mayan necropolis (city of the dead), especially between 300-900 AD. Tens of thousands of burials took place on the Island.

What was the purpose of Jaina burial figures?

Both royal and common Mayan burials included objects that would be helpful to the deceased during their voyage through the underworld. These objects included food, drink, tools, clothing, jewelry, and figurines such as the Ball Player. Perhaps the images served as companions, or were gifts to the gods. Many Jaina figurines also function as rattles or whistles.

Why is the yoke so prominent?

The yoke was part of a protective outfit worn by athletes who competed in pitz, a ritual ballgame played by many Mesoamerican peoples. Although the exact purpose of the game is unknown, we know that the audience placed bets and that the players often competed for their lives. The ball court was shaped like a capital I, enclosed within high walls; midway down the court, two perpendicular stone rings were installed opposite each other 27 feet above the ground. The goal of the game was to send a solid rubber ball through one of the rings without using either one's hands or feet- only the hips. This is why the yoke was so important.

How was the Ball Player made?

This figurine was hand shaped of coarse-grained clay. The clay was fired in an open kiln, then painted.

What is the significance of the colors?

Faint traces of red, white and blue decorate the Ball Player. Scholars disagree as to the exact meaning of various colors. One interpretation by Dr. Mary Miller explains that because the Maya believed the gods made humans from maize, which was either red, blue, or yellow, these colors were of symbolic importance.

What else do we know about the Maya?

With the ongoing translation of Mayan hieroglyphs, the impressive accomplishments of this Mesoamerican civilization continue to unfold. We know that huge populations were organized and governed; enormous cities and religious complexes were built. The Maya invented an elaborate written language, and were accomplished mathematicians and astronomers. Great art was created in support of their social systems, religious beliefs and complex mythology.

- Ann Dearsley Vernon

RESOURCES

Miller, Mary Ellen. Jaina Figurines: A Study of Maya Iconography. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University, 1975.

Mann, Mari L. Jaina Island Figurines and the Maya Culture. hesis presented to the faculty of California State University Dominquez Hills, 1999.

Corson, Christopher. Anthropomorphic Figurines from Jaina Island, Campeche. Ramona, California: Ballen Press, 1976.

Schele, Linda. Hidden Faces of the Maya. Singapore: Toppan Printing Co., 1997.

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