Olmec Serpentine Figure of a Ballplayer

Private Collection, acquired in 1968

Acquired by the family of the present owner by descent from the above in 1989

Michael D. Coe, ed., The Olmec World: Ritual and Rulership, Princeton, 1996, p. 236-237, cat. no. 134

Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton,The Olmec World, Ritual and Rulership, December 16, 1995 - February 25, 1996; additional venues:

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, April 14 - June 9, 1996

This remarkably dramatic figure is one of the most graphic depictions of the physical consequence of the ballgame. It also presents details of key accouterments of the ritual sport. The grimacing face of the player shows the swollen furrowed brow, lined cheeks, askew nose and twisted mouth. His ears are pierced, the ever present need for ornaments even at the time for combative contests. His raised right arm is incised with parallel lines showing a protective wrapping that is secured by crossed bands on the back of the hand. His left hand holds his abdomen. The thick even yoke is secured around his hip and likely make from densely woven basketry, shown by the design incised on the side. The yokes rests on a short fringed undergarment. A tiny incised profile face of a supernatural with flame brows is evident under the tip of the yoke. The remains of the closely-set legs taper below. 

Cf. For the stone yugito now in the Princeton University Art Museum, which displays a similar grimacing face, see Michael D. Coe, ed., The Olmec World: Ritual and Rulership, Princeton, 1996, p. 238, cat. no. 136.