Pre-Columbian, Vera Cruz/Maya, ca. 500 to 950 CE. A magnificent example of a ceremonial hacha depicting an armadillo, hand-carved from a rich greenstone. Most hachas represent human heads, although the skulls and heads of animals, such as jaguars, birds, bats, deer and monkeys, are also depicted. This representation of a complete armadillo, however, is quite rare and special. Standing on all fours, with its armor of meticulously delineated horny plates as well as its sweet smiling visage, this armadillo is poignantly symbolic. The word armadillo was adopted from the Spanish term meaning 'little armed one'. As an hacha associated with the Mesoamerican ballgame, the creation of an armadillo effigy is very apropos, as its armor of horny plates signified strength and protection, traits that would very much benefit any ballgame player, though the 'ballgame' was typically of a ritualistic nature. Size: 10.25" L x 6.125" H (26 cm x 15.6 cm)

Hachas were associated with the ritual Mesoamerican ball game, though they were not actually part of the player's equipment. Instead these were worn during ritualistic ceremonies related to the game. The name stems from the fact that they were believed to be axe-heads; hence the term hacha (Spanish for axe). Based on ceramic figurines and stone carvings, some authors have proposed that they were meant to be attached to yugos (yokes). Others suggest that some of the hachas could have served as ball court markers. While their actual use is still unclear to scholars, but they are often associated with yugos in burials.

Provenance: Ex-Kentucky collection

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#118215

Surface wear with minor nicks and abrasions commensurate with age.