01 Photograph Gallery

02 Object Information

Description

Anthropomorphic mold for making figurines depicting a ballplayer slightly bent over and kneeling on one leg.

The figure has a prominent nose, slightly slanted eyes, and what appear to be facial decoration with scarification technique. It wears what looks like a helmet or headband, round ear ornaments, wristbands, anklets, sandals (only one is visible), and a beaded necklace worn tightly around the neck.

Although the left arm and both feet are missing, the action of the Maya ballgame is still visible. The figure’s attire includes a hip cloth with a decorated belt, a short skirt, and what appears to be fabric wrapped in several layers, just below and around the yoke, protecting the chest. The right knee, which is flexed on the ground, displays a round, shield-like protector, suggesting that the player only knelt on that side.

* Former “Príncipe Maya” Museum Collection, Cobán, Alta Verapaz

Period

CLASSIC (150/200 A.D.-900 A.D.) Late Classic (650-900 AD).

Provenance

Guatemalan Highlands

Medium / Material

Clay

Technique

Modeled, Molded

Dimensions

Width: 26 cm
Height: 28 cm

03 References and Exhibitions

References to similar objects

Molds in custody of La Ruta Maya Foundation

Molds in custody of the Aragón Maya Museum, Cobán, Alta Verapaz

Exhibitions

Object displayed in the Príncipe Maya Museum (Cobán, Alta Verapaz) until the collection was transferred to La Ruta Maya Foundation in October 2010.

Publications

Van Stone, Mark and Paul Johnson. 2022. “MAYA MOLD MADE: Virtual Impressions of Ancient Figurine Molds in the Ruta Maya Foundation Collection”. Tlacaélel Press, San Diego, California. 430 pp.