Avenida Las Américas 19-60 zona 13, Guatemala +502 2366-8000 info@fundacionrutamaya.org

Molds

Information Table
NameMold with the figure of a Ball Player
IDAEH Cultural Property No16.2.5.0245
CategoryMolds
Photograph
Photo creditsPaul Johnson
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

3D Images
PeriodCLASSIC (150/200 A.D.-900 A.D.) Late Classic (650-900 AD).
ProvenanceGuatemalan Highlands
Medium / MaterialClay
TechniqueModeled, Molded
Dimensions

Width: 26 cm
Height: 28 cm

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.