Prehistoric Hacha (ball court sculpture)

Description:	The ball game of ancient Meso-America was a ceremonial activity. The object was to keep the ball in the air as it traveled down the court, just as the sun travels across the sky. The game was played in a large I-shape walled court. The ball was made of heavy, hard rubber. Rules varied from group to group, but usually the team who lost or the losing teams captain was sacrificed to the Gods. An hacha is one of the three stone sculptures associated with the ball game. This hacha is from Veracruz, Mexico, where the idea of the ball game probably started. Hachas are markers placed on the court walls, dividing the court into three sections. The other two stone pieces, the palma and the yoke, were worn by players for protection and use. The players could not use their hands or shoulders. The palma and a waist-worn yoke were used to keep the ball airborne.
Source:	http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/490
Collection:	The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/;
Copyright:	Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0);
Geography:	Mexico
Subjects:	Mexico Indians of Mexico Indians of Mexico -- Games Games Ball games Mexico -- History -- To 1519 Mayas

Further information on this record can be found at its source.