**Originally Listed At $2000**

Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz, ca. 550 to 950 CE. Hand-carved from volcanic rock palma in the form of a warrior or lord with a swirling motif surrounding. The shape fanning the back of the heads gives this form its name - a palma from the frond shape of palm trees. The athletes from Mesoamerica played a ballgame while wearing a hip yoke - the palma has a notched base potentially to rest on a yoke with a palma shape fan to protect their chests from the impact of the hard rubber balls. These carved stones are impossibly heavy - especially this hefty example, so this may have functioned as a court marker to determine borders or to keep score during the game. The rubber ballgame was regarded as a holy sport of religious significance. Playing this game was considered an act of worship to celebrate the sun's movement, and by extension the eternal cycle of life and death- the scrolling shapes around this figure symbolizes blood or vines. Size: 7.5" L x 4" W x 18" H (19 cm x 10.2 cm x 45.7 cm)

The Pre-Columbian ballgame originated in the first millennium BCE, most likely in the Valley of Mexico, and was regarded as not merely an athletic activity but rather as a ceremonial means of controlling or predicting the future. The ancients of Mesoamerica played ballgames in a sacred ballcourt space. Some cultures expected players to dedicate themselves to practicing the game and preparing for matches; however, other cultures forced war captives to play the game and sacrificed the losing team. Another custom involved using the possessions of onlookers as prizes for the victorious team.

Please note that this item is heavy/oversized. Please inquire about shipping prior to bidding.

Provenance: ex-Marc Amiguet Schmitt estate, Evansville, Indiana, USA, acquired in before 2000

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#175044

Light mineral and earthen deposits in recessed areas. Natural surface pitting and softening to details commensurate with age and exposure to elements. Otherwise excellent and intact!