Pre-Columbian, Mexico, Veracruz, ca. 600 to 800 CE. Finely carved on both sides, a ceremonial grey stone hacha (axe) depicting an animal, perhaps an ocelocoatl or a tlacuache, voraciously eating a fruit within his grasp. The ancient Meso-American cultures created special stone objects for their ritual ball game including yokes, palmas, and hachas. Stone yokes were the ritual versions of leather and wood varieties worn around the waists of players to protect them from the rubber ball. Hachas, along with palmas, were set on the yoke to the front side of the player perhaps to help control the ball but also as an element of ceremonial dress. Hachas were also used as stone markers along the perimeter of the ball courts. A wonderful example from this ancient tradition. Size: 7" W x 8.75" H (17.8 cm x 22.2 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private Massachusets Collection.

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