Drawing of the ball game

The ball game was a sport with ritual and religious connotations, played by the pre-Columbian peoples of Mesoamerica since at least 1400 B.C. It was practised both in everyday life and in religious celebrations, and it seems that it sometimes served to resolve land disputes or trade relations, among other things. The sport has evolved over time in various forms. It is still practised today in some parts of Mexico. Although with variations, it seems that the most widespread version of the game involved players hitting the ball with their hips, elbows and knees, without letting it fall to the ground. Over time, stone hoops were also introduced, which the ball had to be touched or passed through. The weight of the ball was considerable, as it was made of rubber and is thought to have weighed up to 4 kg. The playing fields may have varied in their characteristics, but all had long narrow courts with side walls used to bounce the ball. The winner of the game was protected and supported by the gods, although it is not known whether the winners were sacrificed or whether it was the losers who offered their lives to the deities. The game had an important religious and ritual component, even, as has been noted, including human sacrifice, although it also retained a character of enjoyment and leisure, for the recreation of children and women.

Collection: Images

Project: 3. Rural world and urban world in the formation of the European identity., 4. Family, daily life and social inequality in Europe.

Chronology: XVI, XVII, XVIII

Scope: Primary Education, Secondary Education, Baccalaureate, University

Link: http://pares.mcu.es/ParesBusquedas20/catalogo/show/18377?nm

Resource type: Image

Format: Drawing on paper

Source: Archivo General de Indias. Mapas, planos, documentos iconográficos y documentos especiales. Estampas. MP-ESTAMPAS,49

Language: Spanish

Date: 1677

Owner: María del Mar Felices de la Fuente (Modernalia)

Identifier: Archivo General de Indias, MP-ESTAMPAS,49 - F.574R / ES.41091.AGI//MP-ESTAMPAS,49 – F.574R

Abstract: Everyday life. Religious celebrations. Ball game that the Apalachinos and vstacanos Indians have been playing since their infidelity until the year 1676.

Image