Pre-Columbian, Gulf Coast of Mexico, Veracruz (Vera Cruz), ca. 550 to 900 CE. A hand-carved stone ball game yoke exhibiting delicate, faint hues of green, gray, cream, periwinkle, and tan. The front of the U-shaped accessory features a pair of raptorial birds in confrontation, their beaks and furrowed brows touching one another, while the exterior of each arm bears either 2 or 3 large excised slots meant to accommodate form-fitting inlays of shell or stone. This yoke is far too cumbersome and heavy to have been used during active play; instead wooden yokes or belts comprised of basketry were probably worn as they were far more practical. An impressive ceremonial yoke, beautifully carved and presenting rich iconography. Size: 14.6" L x 12.25" W x 3.875" H (37.1 cm x 31.1 cm x 9.8 cm); 10.6" H (26.9 cm) on included custom stand.

The Pre-Columbian ballgame originated in the first millennium BCE, most likely in the Valley of Mexico, and was regarded as not merely an athletic activity but rather as a ceremonial means of controlling or predicting the future. The ancients of Mesoamerica played ballgames in a sacred ballcourt space. Some cultures expected players to dedicate themselves to practicing the game and preparing for matches; however, other cultures forced war captives to play the game and sacrificed the losing team. Another custom involved using the possessions of onlookers as prizes for the victorious team.

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010; ex-Earl Stendahl, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired in the 1950s to 1960s

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#179862

Appears to have been professionally repaired with light restoration and adhesive residue along new material and break lines; all done very well and look similar to natural striations in stone. Heavy polishing to 3 faces of stone to show original stone color. Expected nicks and abrasions to polished and unpolished areas, with chips to peripheries and losses to inlays, and surface roughness on unpolished areas, otherwise in great condition. Great surface smoothness across polished areas. Previous inventory label along inside curve.