Mayan ceramic vessel with ballplayer

The Mayans made this type of small, high-status vase for a period of less than 100 years. These Chocholá style vases had deeply carved decoration and occasionally colours were added.

It depicts a ballplayer ready to strike an incoming ball in the characteristic pose for the sport. He wears protective gear with a thick belt (yoke) and an impressive, feathered headdress. The dedicatory hieroglyphic text on the rim names him as the owner of a vessel for cacao, the drink of rulers and nobles.