OLMEC FIGURE OF A BALLPLAYER, TLATILCO REGION EARLY PRECLASSIC, CIRCA 1200-900 BC

D. Daniel Michel, Chicago, acquired in 1963 (inventory no. 63:101)

Ancient Art of the New World, New York, acquired from the above

American Private Collection, acquired in 1991

PUBLISHED

Michael D. Coe, The Jaguar's Children: Pre-Classic Central Mexico, 1965, New York, cat. no. 100

Michael D. Coe, America's First Civilization: Discovering the Olmec, New York, 1968, p. 6

Leo Rosshandler, Man-Eaters and Pretty Ladies: Early Art in Central Mexico from the Gulf to the Pacific, 1500 BC-500 AD, New York and Montreal, 1971, cat. no. 124

The Museum of Primitive Art, New York, The Jaguar's Children: Pre-Classic Central Mexico, February 17- May 5, 1965

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Man-Eaters and Pretty Ladies: Early Art in Central Mexico from the Gulf to the Pacific, 1500 BC-500 AD, January 15- March 8, 1971

The Snite Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame, 1981-1983, temporary loan from D. Daniel Michel

The Snite Museum of Art, University of Notre Dame, Spring 1989-Summer 1990, temporary loan from D. Daniel Michel

This elaborately costumed figure is designated as one of the Pilli type known from Tlatilco and Tlapacoya. These specially attired ceremonial figures represent high status dignitaries or religious leaders as ballplayers. This figure is heavily laden with protective cord belts wrapped around the waist, knees and ankles, necessary defensive gear against the dense rubber balls that could only be hit with the head, arms, hips and knees. He wears a protective face mask revealing only his eyes, a special feature not commonly depicted on other ballplayer figurines. Around his neck hangs an oval mirror of iron ore or obsidian, one of the ultimate symbols of authority.

The figure represents the importance of the ceremonial ballgame as early as 1200 BC. The ballgame is one of defining elements of Mesoamerican culture; the victorious outcome of a ballplayer reflected humans dominance over the lords of the Underworld, ensuring the return of day after night, the continuation of seasonal cycles and replenished authority.